Tomato Sauce Can Be Used For Soup In A Pinch

Life is busy and sometimes getting a delicious, nourishing, and healthy meal on the table can be a challenge. With the likes of McDonald's, Five Guys, Chick-Fil-A, and a laundry list of other fast food eateries readily available and easy to stop by and order-up each person's favorite menu item, it's tempting to just give in to the convenience demons. However, before you do, take stock of what leftovers you have in your fridge. According to Feeding America, 40% of food in the United States is wasted, and 39% of that waste happens in our homes. So, finding creative ways to use leftovers can help reduce food waste.

Of course, as Huff Post notes, those averse feelings for leftovers is real. Why? There are many reasons, but the news site goes on to share humans simply prefer variety over what they've previously eaten. Well, if you are looking to be more mindful of food waste and save yourself a few bucks here and there, you may want to consider transforming your leftover homemade tomato sauce from last night's spaghetti into a go-to cozy soup. 

According to Food & Wine, it's not only possible to turn your tomato sauce into a soup, but it can even become a fancy dish.

Food & Wine explains that if you have a jar of your favorite marinara sauce or even leftover pasta sauce from the previous evening, you can turn it into a delicious soup. You simple need to add items like chicken broth to thin it a bit, aromatics like chives and basil, croutons for texture, and a few spices and seasonings for taste.  And voila, you are in busy and ready to feed a hungry crew after sports and ballet or something more sophisticated you can serve-up to friends at a dinner party.

Food Network shares you can also reimagine your pasta sauce and turn it into a cream of tomato soup with a little heavy cream, water, herbs, and nutmeg. If cream soups aren't your jam, consider giving your tomato sauce a metamorphosis and turn it into a classic minestrone. A blogger at Tasty did just that by sautéing finely diced mirepoix, to which the leftover tomato sauce was added, along with both cut up green beans and kidney beans, and some macaroni and water. 

The end result is a hearty soup that will satiate your hangry friends and family.