Name: Minestrone Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 carrots (peeled and diced); 2 celery ribs (diced); 1 medium zucchini (diced); 1 cup fresh or frozen green beans; 28 ounces diced tomatoes ((can use fire roasted tomatoes)); 6 cups vegetable broth; 14 ounce can cannellini beans (rinsed and drained); 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 cup elbow macaroni ((can use gluten-free pasta)); to taste Salt and black pepper; Parmesan cheese (and fresh basil, for garnish)

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of Minestrone Soup. On those chilly winter evenings, I often find myself craving this hearty dish, filled with colorful vegetables and fragrant herbs. The rich, savory aroma wafting through the kitchen instantly transports me back to my childhood, where my grandmother would prepare her famous minestrone. I remember huddling around the table, eagerly waiting for the first spoonful. Each bite was like a hug from the inside, as the nourishment and warmth spread through me. This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of simplicity and wholesome ingredients. The best part is how customizable it is, making it easy for anyone to add their personal touch. So, let’s dive into the world of Minestrone Soup and discover how to recreate this family favorite at home!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
55 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
40 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
10 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Cutting Board, Saucepan, Wooden Spoon, Chef’s Knife, Peeler, Baking Sheet

Why This Minestrone Soup Shines

1. A Nutritional Powerhouse

One of the standout features of Minestrone Soup is its incredible nutritional profile. Packed with various vegetables like carrots, celery, and zucchini, this soup is a great way to sneak in multiple servings of vegetables into your diet. The inclusion of cannellini beans adds protein and fiber, making it a filling option for lunch or dinner.

2. A Blank Canvas

This recipe serves as a fantastic base for endless variations. Whether you prefer adding in different seasonal vegetables or experimenting with grains like quinoa or farro, Minestrone Soup is flexible enough to cater to your taste. You can adjust the spice levels with herbs or even a pinch of chili flakes, allowing you to create your perfect bowl.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re someone who loves meal prepping, Minestrone Soup should be your go-to dish. It stores beautifully in the fridge for a few days and tastes even better after the flavors have melded together overnight. It also freezes well, making it an excellent option for batch cooking.

4. Family-Friendly

This is a dish that the entire family can enjoy. With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, children are more likely to indulge in their vegetables without a fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce them to new ingredients in a familiar format.

5. Quick and Easy

The simplicity of preparing Minestrone Soup is another reason to love it. With just a little chopping and some time on the stove, you can whip up a hearty meal in no time. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something nutritious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You Need for Minestrone Soup

The ingredients for Minestrone Soup are as vibrant as the dish itself. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing flavor and texture to the table. Fresh vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and green beans contribute not only nutrition but also a delightful crunch. The vegetable broth serves as a savory base, while the cannellini beans add creaminess and protein, making this soup satisfying and well-rounded.

2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for sautéing the vegetables, this oil adds richness and flavor.
1 small onion, chopped: Provides a sweet base when cooked, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant and robust flavor that is essential in many Italian dishes.
2 carrots, peeled and diced: These bring sweetness and color to the mix.
2 celery ribs, diced: Adds a slight crunch and depth of flavor.
1 medium zucchini, diced: Offers a subtle taste and blends well with the other vegetables.
1 cup fresh or frozen green beans: They provide a fresh, crisp texture.
28 ounces diced tomatoes (can use fire roasted tomatoes): Essential for a rich tomato flavor and a beautiful color.
6 cups vegetable broth: The base of the soup, making it hearty and comforting.
14 ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained: Adds creaminess and protein, making the soup filling.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Essential for that classic Italian flavor.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Complements the basil and adds depth.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy aroma that enhances the soup.
1 cup elbow macaroni (can use gluten-free pasta): Adds a hearty texture and makes the soup more filling.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, for garnish: Adds a finishing touch of flavor and presentation.

Making This Minestrone Soup

Making Minestrone Soup is as enjoyable as eating it. The process is straightforward, and the aromas that fill your kitchen are simply irresistible. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started with this delightful recipe!

Start by heating olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about five minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling the beginning of something delicious.
Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir and cook for another five minutes. You’ll notice the vegetables softening and caramelizing slightly, enhancing their natural sweetness and flavor.
Now it’s time to add in the diced zucchini and green beans. Stir to combine everything and let this cook for about three more minutes. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will brighten up the pot, making it visually appealing.
Incorporate the diced tomatoes into the soup, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck on the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, add the rinsed cannellini beans, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and aromatic soup.
After 20 minutes, it’s time to add the elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir and continue cooking until the pasta is tender, which should take about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the texture of the pasta; you want it al dente, so it maintains a slight bite.
If you find the soup thickening too much, you can add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Season the soup generously with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences. For an extra kick, feel free to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
Once everything is cooked perfectly, ladle the hot soup into bowls. For a finishing touch, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. This adds an incredible flavor that balances the dish beautifully.
Enjoy your warm and comforting Minestrone Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening!

Things Worth Knowing

Ingredient Freshness: Use the freshest vegetables possible for the best flavor. If you can, visit a local farmer’s market.
Cooking Time: The longer you let the soup simmer, the better the flavors will meld together. It’s worth the wait!
Pasta Addition: Add the pasta towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Flavor Boost: A squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors even more.

Helpful Notes about Minestrone Soup

To ensure you make the most of your Minestrone Soup, here are some helpful notes to keep in mind:

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove for the best texture.
Freezing: You can freeze Minestrone Soup for up to three months. Just be sure to let it cool down completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Pairing: This soup pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Ingredient Variations: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
Garnish: For an extra touch, try adding a dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.

What Complements This Minestrone Soup

Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.
Green Salad: A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon complements the flavors of the soup.
Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds an extra richness.
Occasion: Perfect for family dinners or a cozy gathering with friends during the winter months.
Storage Tip: Store leftovers in individual portions for easy reheating throughout the week.
Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy this soup during the colder months when hearty vegetables are in season.

FAQ

Minestrone Soup is traditionally made with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta. The base typically includes onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and zucchini, along with diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Depending on the season, you can add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or green beans. The addition of cannellini beans provides protein and fiber, making it a hearty meal. Lastly, pasta—often elbow macaroni—adds a filling twist to this comforting soup.

Absolutely! In fact, Minestrone Soup is naturally vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup is packed with nutritious vegetables and cannellini beans, so it offers plenty of flavor and protein without any meat. You can also add more vegetables or even some quinoa for an extra boost of nutrients.

To store Minestrone Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’re looking to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and it will last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat on the stovetop for the best texture.

Yes, you can freeze Minestrone Soup. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. This soup can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove. The flavors will still be just as delicious as when it was first made!

Conclusion

Minestrone Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its versatility allows you to use seasonal vegetables and customize it to your preference, making it a dish you can enjoy all year round. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s not just a meal but a way to create cherished family memories. Serve it up with some crusty bread, and you have a heartwarming meal that everyone will love!

Minestrone Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Minestrone Soup is packed with colorful vegetables and hearty beans, making it an easy weeknight dinner. This nourishing soup is not just comforting but also customizable with your favorite ingredients. Make it tonight for a delicious and satisfying meal!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Soups

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
2 carrots peeled and diced
2 celery ribs diced
1 medium zucchini diced
1 cup fresh or frozen green beans
28 ounces diced tomatoes (can use fire roasted tomatoes)
6 cups vegetable broth
14 ounce can cannellini beans rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup elbow macaroni (can use gluten-free pasta)
to taste Salt and black pepper
Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, for garnish

Equipment

Cutting Board
Saucepan
Wooden Spoon
Chef's Knife
Peeler
Baking Sheet

Method

Start by heating olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about five minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling the beginning of something delicious.
Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir and cook for another five minutes. You'll notice the vegetables softening and caramelizing slightly, enhancing their natural sweetness and flavor.
Now it's time to add in the diced zucchini and green beans. Stir to combine everything and let this cook for about three more minutes. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will brighten up the pot, making it visually appealing.
Incorporate the diced tomatoes into the soup, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck on the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, add the rinsed cannellini beans, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and aromatic soup.
After 20 minutes, it's time to add the elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir and continue cooking until the pasta is tender, which should take about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the texture of the pasta; you want it al dente, so it maintains a slight bite.
If you find the soup thickening too much, you can add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Season the soup generously with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences. For an extra kick, feel free to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
Once everything is cooked perfectly, ladle the hot soup into bowls. For a finishing touch, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. This adds an incredible flavor that balances the dish beautifully.
Enjoy your warm and comforting Minestrone Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad. It's the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening!

Notes

To ensure you make the most of your Minestrone Soup, here are some helpful notes to keep in mind:

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove for the best texture.
Freezing: You can freeze Minestrone Soup for up to three months. Just be sure to let it cool down completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Pairing: This soup pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Ingredient Variations: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand.
Garnish: For an extra touch, try adding a dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.