In Los Angeles it is sometimes served with chilli. It is regarded as a comfort food and commonly served during cold days or to sick people. It is made with macaroni, various vegetables and meat (usually chicken), with added evaporated milk. It originated from the American chicken noodle soup. In the Philippines, a common macaroni soup is known simply as sopas ("soup" in Tagalog). The dish was served as part of the menu for students in Memorial Hall, Harvard in 1882, where their food was described as looking better than it tastes. One book suggests using it as a food to comfort distressed mental patients. It was included in a cookbook for schools in 1896. Protein such as soya beans can be added to provide nutrition. Due to its inexpensive nature, it is often part of the menu in institutions such as schools, hospitals and prisons. Weeds can be used in macaroni soup in times of poverty to provide vitamins and minerals. The soup was discussed as a food to improve the health of poor miners. In the early 19th century, macaroni soup was one of the most common dishes in Italian inns. The food is a traditional dish in Italy, and is sometimes served with beans, which is known as pasta e fagioli, and was also included in Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management where the connection with Italy is mentioned and the dish includes parmesan cheese. Macaroni soup is soup that includes macaroni.