Cheap Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Spelt

Craving a cozy meal but stuck with a bare pantry and a tighter budget? We’ve hacked canned soup into a hearty, nutrient-packed dish using instant spelt — a chewy ancient grain that cooks in minutes.

This recipe transforms sad soup into a satisfying meal with zero stove time and costs less than most vending machine snacks. Seriously, your microwave does all the heavy lifting here.

Below, we’ll break down how to upgrade basic canned soup with instant spelt, swap ingredients for dietary needs, and avoid microwave mishaps. Let’s turn “meh” into “more, please!”

What is Instant Spelt?

Instant spelt is pre-cooked spelt — an ancient grain with a nutty flavor and pleasantly chewy texture. Unlike regular spelt (which needs 45+ minutes to simmer), instant cooks in 5-8 minutes, making it ideal for quick meals. Think of it as rolled oats’ more interesting cousin from the whole-grain family.

Nutrition-wise, it’s a powerhouse: 6g fiber and 8g protein per cooked cup. At my brother Joseph’s chaotic family reunion potluck, he once dumped instant spelt into a broth to stretch 3 cans of soup into 10 servings. It saved dinner and became our go-to pantry hero.

Can You Microwave Canned Soup?

Absolutely, but ditch the can! Microwaving soup directly in its metal container risks sparks, uneven heating, and a metallic taste. Instead, pour your canned soup into a microwave-safe bowl. My husband John learned this the hard way during a midnight snack run — let’s just say our kitchen smelled like regret for days. Similarly, while compostable containers may seem like a safer option, they can also pose dangers when microwaved, potentially releasing harmful substances. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any hazards when heating food in these containers.

Microwave times vary by wattage: 2 minutes on high for 1200W, 3 minutes for 700W. Stir halfway to avoid “lava pockets.” Once hot, stir in instant spelt and let it sit 2 minutes. The spelt absorbs broth beautifully, turning watery soups into rib-sticking meals. When time is tight, lazy microwave pre-cooked sausage canned soup can be a quick alternative for a hearty meal. It’s an effortless option that keeps you fueled without much hassle. Now, let’s talk ingredients and substitutions to customize your bowl!

Ingredients for Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Spelt

Grab these basics: one 10.5-ounce canned soup (chicken noodle or vegetable work best), ¼ cup instant spelt, and ¼ cup water. Optional upgrades: frozen peas, grated Parmesan, or a garlic powder sprinkle. My college roommate Kate swore by adding kimchi for a spicy kick – surprisingly genius! For those looking for a quick meal option, lazy microwave canned chicken noodle soup can be a lifesaver. It combines convenience and comfort in one easy dish, perfect for busy days.

Ingredient Substitutes and Alternatives

No instant spelt? Rolled barley or quick-cooking farro mimic its chewiness. For gluten-free needs, swap in pre-cooked quinoa (though texture softens faster). Broth-heavy soups like tomato? Reduce water to 2 tablespoons to avoid sogginess. My cousin once used cold brew coffee instead of water for a beef barley soup hack – oddly addictive, but maybe don’t start there. When looking for quick meal options, cheap microwave canned soup paired with instant quinoa is a convenient choice that doesn’t sacrifice nutrition.

Also See: Easy Cajun Shrimp Pops – Microwave Method

How to Make Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Spelt

This 5-minute meal requires zero chef skills. Just avoid these three common pitfalls: under-stirring, over-microwaving, and using soups with cream bases (they curdle). Microwaving can be tricky, especially with certain foods. Let’s explore five foods that people typically microwave incorrectly and learn how to avoid common mistakes.

Step-by-step Microwave Instructions

1. Pour soup into a 2-cup microwave-safe bowl. Stir in water to dilute sodium and create space for spelt.
2. Microwave uncovered on high: 2 minutes for 1200W, 3 minutes for 700W. Hot tip: Place a damp paper towel under the bowl to catch splatters.
3. Carefully remove (bowl will be HOT). Stir in instant spelt. Let sit 2 minutes – grains soak up broth while cooling to edible temps.

Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor

For al dente spelt, use a 1:1 soup-to-grain ratio. Prefer porridge-like thickness? Add an extra tablespoon of spelt. Always let the mixture rest – rushing causes uneven absorption. John once inhaled his portion immediately and spent 10 minutes picking spelt bits off his shirt. Patience pays, friends. If you’re ever faced with soggy microwave cornbread, a few tricks can save your dish, ensuring a delightful texture that everyone will love. Consider adjusting the moisture level and cooking time to fix that issue effortlessly.

Also See: Quick & Zesty Microwave Coconut Lime Cake

What Does Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Spelt Taste Like?

Imagine your childhood canned soup, but with a toothy, earthy upgrade. Instant spelt adds a mild nuttiness similar to wild rice, balancing the soup’s saltiness. The grains stay pleasantly chewy, unlike mushy pasta in overcooked ramen. This delightful transformation can also be achieved in quick meals, like lazy microwave recipes that incorporate canned tuna and instant spelt for a nutritious boost.

During a snowstorm last winter, I subbed instant spelt into tomato soup. The result? A rustic Italian-esque dish that had my neighbor texting, “What’s that fancy grain?” Pro tip: A Parmesan rind stirred in during microwaving adds umami depth – just fish it out before eating. For a quick and comforting meal, consider making a creamy tomato soup in one pot using the microwave, which allows for easy preparation and minimal cleanup.

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s tackle storing leftovers without turning your spelt into cement. Proper storage is crucial to keep your food tasty and safe. One common mistake is microwaving leftover pasta, which can ruin its texture and flavor.

How to Store Leftover Soup and Spelt

Leftover soup with spelt thickens faster than a plot twist in a soap opera. For fridge storage, transfer cooled portions into airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Glass jars work best – I’ve reused pasta sauce containers for years (Rao’s labels make my fridge look fancy).

Refrigerated soup stays fresh 3-4 days at 40°F or below. The spelt will keep absorbing liquid, so add a splash of water or broth before reheating. My roommate once ignored this step and ate what we now call “cement surprise” – delicious flavor, questionable jaw workout.

Freezing for Future Meals

Freeze portions in silicone muffin molds for single-serving “soup pucks.” Once solid, pop them into freezer bags labeled with dates (trust me, mystery ice blocks aren’t fun). They’ll last 2-3 months at 0°F. Avoid freezing cream-based soups – dairy separates like awkward relatives at holidays. To enjoy these soup pucks, simply heat them in the microwave for a quick and delightful meal. A simple microwave soup recipe can turn your frozen pucks into a warm, comforting dish in minutes.

Reheating Without Sogginess

Microwave frozen soup pucks in a bowl on 50% power for 3-4 minutes, stirring twice. For refrigerated leftovers, 1.5 minutes on high usually does the trick. Always cover with a damp paper towel to prevent spelt from drying out. John insists on sprinkling everything bagel seasoning post-reheat – it’s weirdly perfect. To keep your toppings crunchy, consider using a lid while reheating, which helps trap steam and maintain texture.

Got soup that’s separated after storage? A quick whisk restores texture better than a therapist fixes my Mondays. Soup is a popular choice for a quick meal, and microwaving it can save time and effort. Now that your leftovers are secured, let’s dodge those common mistakes that can turn comfort food into a crisis…

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

Microwaving canned soup with instant spelt is a budget-friendly hack that transforms a basic meal into something hearty and wholesome in minutes. We love how the nutty spelt adds texture while keeping prep time under 5 minutes—perfect for rushed weeknights.

Give this combo a spin and tweak it with your favorite add-ins like frozen veggies or a sprinkle of parmesan. Drop us a comment about your customized version—we’re always hunting for new twists on this pantry-staple dish!