Description
Hearty Italian classic minestrone soup brings warmth and comfort to your table with robust vegetables and rich flavors. Simmering herbs and tender beans create a nourishing meal you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Liquid and Tomato Base:
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) diced tomatoes
Proteins, Pasta, and Seasonings:
- 1 cup (240 grams) cooked beans (kidney or cannellini)
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) pasta (small shapes like ditalini or macaroni)
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Gently sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce zucchini, tomatoes, and selected herbs into the pot. Allow ingredients to meld together, stirring occasionally for 4-5 minutes to release their natural flavors.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, raising temperature until liquid reaches a vigorous boil. Immediately reduce heat and let the mixture simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.
- Carefully incorporate kidney beans and pasta into the simmering soup. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, ensuring pasta reaches an al dente texture and beans are thoroughly heated.
- Taste the soup and carefully adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. For an enhanced flavor profile, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and serving alongside crusty artisan bread.
Notes
- Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor profile.
- Keep the pasta slightly undercooked when adding to the soup, as it will continue to soften while simmering.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or rice pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg