Ingredients
Equipment
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.