Never miss a recipe! Subscribe Here

  • About
  • Contact
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cotter Crunch

Cotter Crunch

Delicious Healthy Gluten Free Recipes

  • All Recipes
    • By Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Egg-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Grain-Free
      • Low-Carb
      • Nightshade-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • By Type
      • Breakfasts
      • Casseroles
      • Condiments
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Sides & Salads
      • Snacks & Appetizers
      • Stews & Soups
    • By Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Blender
      • Instant Pot
      • No-Bake
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
      • Stovetop
    • Quick Meals
    • With Video
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Start Here
    • Gluten-Free Eating
    • More Diet Guides
      • Autoimmune Protocol
      • Anti-Inflammatory
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
  • Cookbooks
  • Search
Home › Recipes › By Type › Stews and Soups
★★★★★52 Comments

Everything But the Kitchen Sink Soup {Instant Pot or Stove Top Recipe}

Avatar photo

by Lindsay Cotter Published: Dec 21, 2017

Dairy-FreeEgg-FreeGluten-FreeNut-FreeVegetarian
Jump to Recipe

Everything But the Kitchen Sink Soup is a HEALTHY soup recipe using holiday leftovers. This easy soup recipe has instructions for cooking in an Instant Pot or on a stove top. Add your leftover ham or turkey, plus any leftover veggies to this rice-based soup for an easy, flavorful, gluten-free lunch or dinner.

Two bowls filled with Everything But the Kitchen Sink soup, topped with fresh herbs.

Look! It’s not a holiday dessert post. It’s about time we saw some veggies around here, right? I thought our blood sugar might need a little break before Christmas. But don’t you worry, this veggie packed recipe is still come in extra handy for the holiday season. Ya’ll, it’s Everything but the Kitchen Sink soup! Please tell me you know about this crazy easy delicious soup? The most resourceful soup recipe ON DA PLANET! It requires everything but your kitchen sink! Well all that’s edible that is.

Close up overhead view everything but the kitchen sink soup in black bowl

This kitchen sink soup recipe has an instant pot version, which means it’s ready in less than 25 minutes. It also has a stove top version that is ready in under 45 minutes. Whoa, I am liking this plan!

Looking into Instant Pot filled with all ingredients for Everything But the Kitchen Sink soup
    Everything But the Kitchen Sink Soup being stirred with wooden spoon in Instant Pot

    Alright, before I jump to the recipe and explain what exactly is in THIS Everything But the Kitchen Sink Soup, let’s talk. I know, you’re probably SOOOO over me talking, but you must hear me out on one wee little issue. Mmm k?

    You see, we have 2018 just around the corner. A new year and new focus! Ya’ll, this year was HARD and I do apologize for the lack of transparency around here, but I couldn’t even get the words to figure out what to say. Although I can say this, I am guilty of putting work fist. Yep, I put my head down and just worked worked worked. Now I’m coming up for air and looking forward to feeling refreshed and renewed in 2018. Refreshed in my health, my marriage, as well as this job HERE! A job where I get to SERVE you with JOY!

    I’ve created a survey that might pop up when you hang out on CC (Cotter Crunch) for a while. If you could take the time to fill it out, I would appreciate it. I’ll send you my other PAID ebook for free if ya do! Just let me know. K? The link is here.

    Moving forward, literally and figuratively.

    This Everything But the Kitchen Sink Soup is everything you ever wanted in a leftover vegetable soup recipe.

    I might be exaggerating but you get the picture.

    Side view bowl filled Everything But the Kitchen Sink Soup

    This first time I made this soup was over 3 years ago. I remember it so vividly because it was the only the second time I had used a DSLR camera and I was practicing photography. I must have made this Kitchen Sink Soup 3 times. We had so many holiday leftovers that I wasn’t about to waste. Plus, I was determined to practice my photography and to feed my husband, who just so happened to be training for an Ironman. Did I mention we were a wee bit frugal and broke back then too? Wow, I guess you could say this soup was quite valuable! Not to mention the most economical and tasty way to serve leftovers.

    Alright, speaking of leftovers, go look to see if there are any of these ingredients lingering in your fridge.

    • Squash
    • Carrots and green beans
    • Mixed rice or quinoa
    • Ham, roast chicken, turkey, or even legumes to make a vegan protein option.
    • bacon or pancetta (feel free to skip make this vegan).
    • Spinach or other leaf greens
    • Broth
    • Onion 
    • Celery
    • Garlic 
    • Your favorite spices!

    In this updated Everything But the Kitchen Sink Soup I’m utilizing my instant pot (with stove top option of course). You’ll also noticed that I am using pancetta or uncured bacon to sauté the vegetables first. NERDY NUTRITION TIP —> The fat (that comes from the olive oil and bacon) helps us to absorb more of the fat soluble vitamins in this soup. Vitamins such as Vitamin A,D,K, and E are much better absorbed into your bloodstream when you eat them with a little fat. And since this leftover soup is packed with vitamin rich veggies, we need a little fat to boost nutrition. Plus it’s so flavorful!

    Two bowls filled with Everything But the Kitchen Sink soup, topped with fresh cilantro

    Phew! Enough talking. Let’s EAT!

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Overhead view Everything But the Kitchen Sink Soup in dark gray bowl

    Everything But the Kitchen Sink Soup (Instant Pot or Stove Top Recipe)


    ★★★★★

    4.1 from 7 reviews

    • Author: Lindsay Cotter
    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: 5 servings 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Everything But the Kitchen Sink Soup is a HEALTHY soup recipe using holiday leftovers. This easy soup recipe has instructions for cooking in an Instant Pot or on a stove top. Gluten free, Dairy free option.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 1 tsp olive oil
    • 1 cup chopped onion
    • 4 ounces pancetta or chopped uncured bacon
    • ⅔ cup chopped celery (about 2 large celery ribs)
    • 1 cup chopped or ½ inch sliced carrots
    • 2 cups peeled cube cut squash (370 grams or close to ¾ lb)
    • ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp minced garlic
    • ½ tsp cumin
    • pinch of paprika – close to ¼ tsp
    • 1 ¼ cup green beans (chopped, ends removed)
    • 1 cup a blend of uncooked rice (wild rice and long grain white rice work great)
    • ½ tsp kosher salt
    • black pepper to taste
    • 6 – 6 ½ cups veggie broth or chicken broth
    • 2 cups loosely packed spinach or other leafy green
    • Optional Parmesan to garnish
    • Red pepper flakes to garnish
    • Pinch of Sea Salt for platting
    • Herbs to garnish (cilantro) – optional
    • Optional additional Add-ins: 4-5 ounces Roasted turkey, smoked ham, chickpeas, etc.
    • See notes for Vegetarian option

    Instructions

    FOR INSTANT POT:

    1. First make sure all your vegetables and meats/bacon are chopped or sliced according to measurements in ingredient list.
    2. Place instant pot on saute setting. Add your olive oil, onion, pancetta, carrots and celery. Sauté
      for 2-4 minutes until onions are transparent and fragrant. Add your diced squash and sauté again for another 2 minutes.
    3.  Turn off sauté setting.
    4.  Stir in your garlic, paprika, and cumin. Mix together.
    5. Finally, add in your rice, broth, green beans, kosher salt, and pepper.
    6.  Place Instant pot setting to manual pressure cook, sealed, for 12-14 minutes. If you are using wild rice, cook for 14-16 minutes. *See notes if using pre cooked rice*
    7.  After 12-14 minutes, use Quick release option to stop cooking. Then add in your spinach, stir, and seal it back up.
    8. Place on warm for 10 minutes until spinach is steamed.
    9. Once spinach is steamed, uncover and add sea salt.
    10. Serve and garnish with shredded Parmesan, cilantro, and crushed red pepper flakes.
    11. Feel free to add in ham, roast chicken or turkey with the spinach while warming.
    12. See notes for stove top version and vegetarian version. 

    Notes

    For STOVE TOP Version:

    1. Make sure all your ingredients are prepped/chopped.
    2. In a large stock pot, add your olive oil, onion, pancetta, carrots and celery. Sauté
      for 4-5 minutes until onions are transparent and fragrant. Add your diced squash, garlic, and the rest of your spices and sauté again for another 2-3 minute.
    3. Add the broth, bring to a boil, then add your rice and reduce heat.
    4. Place on low covered for about 20- 25 minutes or until rice is cooked. If you are using wild rice it will take a little longer.
    5. Mix in your spinach and any other add-ins of choice.
    6. Cover and simmer for another 5-8 minutes or until spinach is wilted.
    7. Once cooked, add a pinch of sea salt.
    8. Serve and garnish with Parmesan, cilantro, and red pepper flakes.

    *To speed up both Stove top and Instant pot version, you can use precooked rice. For Instant pot cook 10 minutes then place on warm with spinach. For Stove top, just cook 10 minutes after bringing to a boil, versus 25 minutes.

    For Vegetarian Version:

    Do not add the bacon, instead add in a few teaspoons of tamari sauce, an extra pinch of paprika or smoked paprika, and 1 ½ cups cooked (or canned, drained) chickpeas with your rice and vegetables.

    ESTIMATED NUTRITION per serving, without meat added

    • Prep Time: 5
    • Cook Time: 25 minutes
    • Category: main
    • Method: instant pot
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1
    • Calories: 265
    • Sugar: 5g
    • Fat: 6g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Carbohydrates: 45g
    • Fiber: 5g
    • Protein: 9g
    • Cholesterol: 10g

    Keywords: instant pot, soup, gluten free, dairy free, everything but the kitchen sink

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cottercrunch on Instagram and hashtag it #cottercrunch

    What’s your favorite way to utilize holiday leftovers? I also love making my turkey nacho salad and Vegan Salsa Con Queso, both made from leftover vegetables and holiday eats! Ya’ll, IT’S AMAZING!

    A woman holding grey bowl filled with Everything But the Kitchen Sink Soup

    Did you your grandma ever share her KITCHEN SINK SOUP RECIPE? What was in it besides the sink. 

    Cheers friends! Have a wonderful Holiday! I’ll be back in a week with one last secret recipe.

     
     
     
    Collage of Everything But the Kitchen Sink Soup in bowls with text overlay

    MORE SOUP RECIPES HERE!

    This recipe is part of Our Best Healthy Soup Recipes for Fall and 10 Healthy Soups, Chili and Stew Instant Pot / Slow Cooker Recipes collections. Check it out!

    2437 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    Categories: Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Instant Pot, Main Dishes, Nut-Free, Slow Cooker & Instant Pot, Stews and Soups, Stovetop, Vegetarian Tags: gluten-free, healthy, instant pot, leftovers, soup

    More recipes you’ll love!

    Overhead view white bowl filled with Instant Pot Gumbo served with white rice.
    Instant Pot Gumbo (Vegetarian/Vegan)
    butternut squash soup surrounded by pumpkins, thyme, roasted pumpkin seeds, and a spoon
    Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup with Apple (Vegan)
    overhead shot of vegetable soup in pot with laddle in the middle
    Instant Pot Vegetable Soup with Bacon (Crockpot Option)
    three bowls of vegan broccoli cheese soup wtih three spoons on the side and a blue and white striped towel
    Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
    Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

    About Lindsay

    Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

    • About
    • Studio
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Have a question? Use ctrl+f or ⌘+f on your computer or the “find on page” function on your phone browser to search existing comments!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Rate & Comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Michele Rosenblum

      10/19/2020 at 12:21 PM

      I don’t have an instant pot. Can I use my slow cooker instead?

      Reply
      • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

        10/19/2020 at 8:12 PM

        For sure! Are you using cooked or uncooked rice? I would Follow the same directions as the instant pot except or place it on medium or high for 2 to 3 hours. Or low for four hours. Just depends on if you’re using pre-cooked rice

        Reply
    2. James Kennedy

      09/22/2020 at 4:29 AM

      This kitchen soup looks delicious. I opt to make this at home.

      ★★★

      Reply
    3. kios mesin

      03/17/2020 at 1:12 AM

      WOW..Thanks you for very nice it article

      ★★★★

      Reply
    4. kios mesin

      03/17/2020 at 1:11 AM

      Thanks you for very nice it article

      ★★★★

      Reply
    5. toko bunga jogja

      03/17/2020 at 1:10 AM

      This is my kind of soup!!

      Reply
    6. Lauren

      10/25/2019 at 5:43 PM

      I love everything about this! I’m making it this weekend and I’m so excited.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

        10/28/2019 at 7:16 PM

        Thanks, Lauren! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

        Reply
    7. Instagram Free Followers

      08/03/2019 at 5:47 PM

      This is my kind of soup!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

        08/03/2019 at 6:08 PM

        Oh yay! We love it too. So easy! 😉

        Reply
    8. cctv camera dealers in patna

      01/09/2019 at 10:00 PM

      Nice information. Thanks for sharing this informative blog with us. I really need this type of blog and I’m so lucky to found this.

      ★★★

      Reply
      • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

        01/10/2019 at 2:45 PM

        I’m so glad you are enjoying it, thank you for the kind words! Let me know if you would like any recommendations 🙂

        Reply
    9. Gaby Dalkin

      09/13/2018 at 6:31 AM

      Ahhh, this is a leftovers masterpiece!

      Reply
      • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

        09/13/2018 at 8:52 AM

        You’re my masterpiece inspiration ?

        Reply
    10. Ginger

      06/20/2018 at 2:43 PM

      I have just tried two of your recipes the last two nights as I was trying to find recipes for the produce from my CSA. This was one of them and both were absolutely fantastic! What I loved about this one is I substituted several things and it still turned our amazing! I did the instapot version. So Good!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    11. vex 3

      06/18/2018 at 8:48 PM

      A bowl of vegetable porridge with meat looks delicious and nutritious, thanks for sharing

      Reply
    12. website designing company in India

      05/11/2018 at 5:49 AM

      Thanks you for very nice it article

      Reply
    13. website designing company in India

      05/11/2018 at 5:49 AM

      Thanks you for very nice it article

      Reply
    14. vien

      04/09/2018 at 4:50 AM

      Soup is always good to eat. Good for health and it also feed your stomach fully. Soup with vegetables and rice will full your stomach. These vegetables and rice gives you some different but a delicious taste.

      Reply
    15. Sabrina

      03/24/2018 at 9:38 AM

      love this, still craving soup into a very cold spring, so thank you for a new recipe, at least to me!

      Reply
    16. color switch

      03/09/2018 at 3:53 AM

      Thanks for sharing the informative information through the article. and all the details are awesome and good in this post.

      Reply
    17. Sam

      02/04/2018 at 10:17 AM

      Are there any vegetable that you really shouldn’t use? Like mushrooms? Also, can you use any frozen vegetables or squash?

      Reply
      • Sam

        02/04/2018 at 10:18 AM

        or Radishes?

        Reply
        • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

          02/04/2018 at 11:18 AM

          I wouldn’t use mushrooms or radishes. But frozen veggies work great! Maybe a mix? I used frozen green beans and squash before. It’s perfect!

          Reply
    18. Emily Swanson

      01/01/2018 at 5:35 PM

      Comforting massive pots of veggie soup or chili or any other kind of soups makes me SOOO happy for winter. And they also make my tummy happy. 🙂 HAPPY NEW YEAR Lindsay! Love ya friend.

      Reply
      • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

        01/02/2018 at 11:37 AM

        Yes! so agree friend. <3 Love ya

        Reply
    19. Sandra

      12/30/2017 at 8:10 AM

      The soup was delish and very flavourful. I did not add cumin but extra paprika and it was really really good. Will do it again for sure. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

        12/30/2017 at 9:08 AM

        Wonderful! So glad it worked out Sandra. Paprika is the perfect extra addition

        Reply
    20. Gaby Dalkin

      12/29/2017 at 3:56 PM

      Such a good leftover hack!!!

      Reply
      • Cotter Crunch

        12/31/2017 at 1:01 PM

        Gotta love that resourcefulness

        Reply
    21. [email protected]

      12/29/2017 at 6:15 AM

      Yes to vegetables Lindsay . YES YES YES! I’m usually one for making up lots of Curry’s so as to use up the leftovers at this time of the year, but I wanted something different and THIS is SO HITTING THE SPOT! Thank you. Hope you are doing well!

      Reply
      • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

        12/29/2017 at 8:42 AM

        Oh i love your curry recipes! Must make one soon! So good to hear from you Neil. And hi to Lynn!

        Reply
    22. Jennifer Farley

      12/23/2017 at 8:40 PM

      This soup has everything I want in a meal!

      Reply
    23. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious

      12/22/2017 at 10:54 AM

      Your pictures are amazing! Its crazy to look back and see how much you grow.

      Reply
      • Cotter Crunch

        12/22/2017 at 6:05 PM

        Thank you friend! The feeling is mutual! So excited for more of you amazing work in 2018!

        Reply
    24. Liz @ Floating Kitchen

      12/22/2017 at 6:33 AM

      This looks so good, girl! And these kinds of recipes are always my favorite – just mixing odds and ends, cleaning out the crisper drawer and pantry. They always turn out so tasty. And I get a a lot of satisfaction out of repurposing leftovers! Beautiful photos. Looking forward to 2018!

      Reply
      • Cotter Crunch

        12/22/2017 at 10:29 AM

        mine too! All the flavors make me happy and I feel nourished.

        Reply
    25. Tieghan Gerard

      12/21/2017 at 11:34 PM

      So pretty! Love these colors!

      Reply
      • Cotter Crunch

        12/22/2017 at 9:29 PM

        Thanks Tieghan!

        Reply
    26. Natasha @ Salt & Lavender

      12/21/2017 at 10:34 PM

      My kinda soup! Looks hearty and so flavorful!

      Reply
    27. Gina @Running to the Kitchen

      12/21/2017 at 8:57 PM

      This looks super flavorful!

      Reply
    28. Matt

      12/21/2017 at 6:09 PM

      Packed full of so much goodness, love this leftovers idea!

      Reply
      • Cotter Crunch

        12/21/2017 at 9:18 PM

        Thanks Matt!

        Reply
    29. [email protected]

      12/21/2017 at 4:32 PM

      1000 times yes! I could eat this for lunch every day!

      Reply
      • Cotter Crunch

        12/21/2017 at 9:21 PM

        I kinda did! Haha

        Reply
    30. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table

      12/21/2017 at 1:54 PM

      Oddly enough, my family never really ate much soup. Except for matzo ball soup – we loved that. HA! Now I really like it though. These kitchen sink soups are so perfect for the end of the week. I love this!

      Reply
      • Cotter Crunch

        12/21/2017 at 11:12 PM

        Do you have a GF matzo ball soup recipe? I am dying to try one!

        Reply
    31. Leigh Ann

      12/21/2017 at 12:29 PM

      This is my kind of soup!!

      Reply
    32. Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      12/21/2017 at 12:18 PM

      COZY AND DELISH!!!!!

      Reply
    33. Maria

      12/21/2017 at 10:56 AM

      The perfect cold weather soup!

      Reply
    34. Mary Ann |The Beach House Kitchen

      12/21/2017 at 10:50 AM

      It’s about time I get off the dessert train!! This looks totally yummy! Packed with all the good things my diet needs right now! Happy Holidays!

      Reply
    35. Lexi

      12/21/2017 at 9:57 AM

      The PERFECT soup!!!!!!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

    About Lindsay

    Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

    • About
    • Studio
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Reader Favorites

    • photo collage of dairy-free gluten-free anti-inflammatory meal plan recipes
      Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan {Dairy Free, Gluten-Free Recipes & Tips}
    • cinnamon bites in turquoise bowl, top protein ball has bite taken out to show inside texture.
      Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Breakfast Bites + Video
    • a bowl of curried cauliflower rice soup
      Curried Cauliflower Soup with Kale
    • Collage of 4 saucepans and skillets filled with 4 different varieties of gluten free roux.
      How to Make Gluten Free Roux for Keto Sauces + Soups
    • stack of dried orange slices on white background
      Dried Orange Slices (Oven or Dehydrator)
    • a skillet full of four balsamic roasted cranberry chicken thighs surrounded by roasted cranberries
      Balsamic Roasted Cranberry Chicken

    Recipes by Diet

    • Dairy-Free
    • Egg-Free
    • Gluten-Free
    • Grain-Free
    • Low-Carb
    • Nightshade-Free
    • Nut-Free
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
    • Whole30

    Recipes by Method

    • Air Fryer
    • Blender
    • Instant Pot
    • No-Bake
    • Oven
    • Slow Cooker
    • Stovetop

    Recipes by Type

    • Breakfasts
    • Casseroles
    • Condiments
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Main Dishes
    • Sides & Salads
    • Snacks & Apps
    • Stews & Soups

    Resources & More

    • Meal Plans
    • Nutrition Guides
    • How-To
    • Quick Meals
    • Videos
    • Round Ups
    • Cookbook
    • GF Start Here
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    Cotter Crunch
    • About
    • Studio
    • Shop
    • Contact

    © 2023 · Cotter Crunch · Disclaimer & Terms · Privacy Policy

    2437 shares