1️⃣ Make the Base (a.k.a. Flavor Magic)

Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat.

Stir in the flour and cook for a minute or two, until it turns a light golden color.

Don’t let it burn! Keep stirring so it stays smooth.

2️⃣ Add the Tomatoes & Build the Flavor

Slowly pour in the passata, stirring constantly so everything blends nicely.

Add a pinch of salt & pepper—you can adjust later, but this gives a good starting point.

3️⃣ Toss in the Veggies

Pour in the water, then add the whole onion, celery stalks, and garlic cloves.

Cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes—this step infuses the soup with so much depth!

4️⃣ Time to Strain

Once the veggies have done their job, remove them from the soup.

Now you’re left with a super smooth, flavorful base!

5️⃣ Sweeten & Add the Pasta

Stir in the sugar—this helps balance out the natural tanginess of the tomatoes.

Drop in the alphabet pasta, and let it cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6️⃣ Taste & Adjust

Too tangy? A little more sugar will fix that!

Not salty enough? A pinch of salt should do the trick.

Want it richer? A swirl of cream at the end adds an extra layer of comfort.

Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle it into bowls, grab a spoon, and enjoy that warm, comforting goodness.

Bonus points if you serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich or some buttery garlic bread! 😄🎉