minestrone soup
Minestrone soup brings cozy Italian tradition to your table. Packed with veggies, it's a hearty, healthy meal for any night.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, and potato to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are almost tender.
- Add the pasta and cannellini beans to the simmering soup. Cook for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and parsley. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Minestrone soup remains a beloved staple of Italian comfort food, prized for its incredible versatility and heartiness. This is the kind of recipe that welcomes creativity—perfect for using up what you have in the fridge and satisfying a crowd on a busy weeknight or lazy weekend.
Practical Tips for a Flavorful Minestrone
- Customize your veggies: Minestrone can include almost any combination of seasonal vegetables. Try adding spinach, kale, peas, or even squash depending on what's available.
- Enhance the broth: For deeper flavor, sauté your vegetables long enough for them to caramelize slightly before adding the broth. Some cooks like to toss in a parmesan rind while the soup simmers to give the broth a wonderful savory depth.
- Pasta choice matters: Smaller shapes like ditalini or elbow work best. To avoid mushy pasta, consider cooking it separately and adding just before serving, especially if you plan to store leftovers.
- Beans boost nutrition: Cannellini or kidney beans add protein and creaminess. For added texture, mash a few beans before stirring them into the pot.
- Gluten-free or vegan? Swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety and skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative for a plant-based meal.
Cooking and Serving Suggestions
- Let the flavors meld by making your minestrone in advance—the taste is even better the next day!
- Serve with crusty bread, focaccia, or a simple green salad to make it a complete meal.
- Add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten up the soup.
- For an extra treat, top each bowl with a spoonful of fresh pesto or extra parmesan.
