Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Crafting a hearty minestrone soup brings comfort and warmth to chilly evenings.

Vegetables dance with beans in this classic Italian classic, creating a symphony of flavors.

Robust ingredients tell a story of rustic countryside cooking.

Mediterranean traditions shine through every spoonful of this nourishing dish.

Fresh herbs and seasonal produce make magic happen in your kitchen.

Rich tomato broth connects you to generations of home cooks.

Dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe that promises to delight your senses and fill your bowl with pure joy.

Minestrone Soup Warmth in Every Spoonful

• Packed with nutritious vegetables, this minestrone soup delivers a hearty meal that nourishes body and soul, perfect for anyone craving a home-cooked, satisfying dish.
• Requiring just one pot and basic ingredients, this recipe makes cooking a breeze, ideal for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Versatile recipe allows swapping vegetables or adding protein, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and what's available in your kitchen.
• Loaded with beans, vegetables, and pasta, this soup provides a balanced meal rich in vitamins, fiber, and protein, supporting overall health with every spoonful.

Key Ingredients for Minestrone Soup

• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the soup.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and bright color to the dish.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle herbal flavor and depth to the soup.
• Garlic: Offers a robust and pungent flavor profile.
• Zucchini: Brings a mild, fresh vegetable texture.
• Potato: Adds heartiness and helps thicken the soup.

• Beans: Provides plant-based protein and creamy texture.
• Vegetable Broth: Creates the liquid foundation and adds savory depth.
• Diced Tomatoes: Offers tangy flavor and rich tomato base.

• Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor and seasoning of the soup.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a bright, fresh garnish with aromatic herb notes.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding richness.

• Pasta: Adds substance and makes the soup more filling.

How to Cook Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium warmth.

Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery.

Stir and cook until the vegetables become soft and release their delightful fragrance, which should take around 5 minutes.

Step 2: Layer in Hearty Ingredients

Add minced garlic, diced zucchini, and cubed potatoes to the pot.

Continue cooking and stirring for approximately 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Beans
• Vegetable broth
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble softly for 15 minutes, developing rich, deep flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Slide pasta into the simmering soup.

Cook for 10-12 minutes until the pasta reaches a perfect tender texture.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top.

Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Tips for Rich Minestrone Soup Flavor

• Swap or add seasonal vegetables like spinach, kale, or butternut squash to make the soup more nutritious and colorful.
• Include diced chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based protein crumbles for extra protein and heartiness.
• Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Add a parmesan cheese rind while simmering to enhance the soup's umami and richness without extra effort.
• Double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick, convenient meals throughout the week.

Storing and Reheating Minestrone Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing pasta as it can become mushy when thawed.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add extra broth if the soup seems too thick.

Serving Ideas for Minestrone Soup

• Pair Rustic Tuscan Bread: Slice thick, crusty bread to soak up the hearty soup broth, adding delightful texture and complementing the vegetable-rich flavors.
• Match Crisp Pinot Grigio: Select a light, refreshing white wine that balances the soup's robust ingredients without overwhelming its delicate vegetable notes.
• Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan over the hot soup to introduce a salty, nutty dimension that elevates the overall taste profile and adds creamy richness.
• Serve Herbal Green Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh contrast to the warm, dense soup.

Exciting Twists on Minestrone Soup

• Protein Power Minestrone: Replace beans with grilled chicken or diced beef for a protein-packed version. Perfect for meat lovers seeking extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular pasta with quinoa or gluten-free pasta alternatives. Ensures those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the hearty soup.
• Low-Carb Veggie Swap: Substitute potato and pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Great option for individuals following ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diets.
• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and a splash of white wine for enhanced Mediterranean flavors. Creates a more complex and aromatic soup experience.

FAQs

• Is minestrone soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with vegetables, beans, and whole grains, providing a nutritious and balanced meal with vitamins, fiber, and protein.

• Can I make minestrone soup vegetarian?

The recipe is already vegetarian. It uses vegetable broth and includes beans for protein, making it a complete plant-based meal.

• What type of beans work best in minestrone soup?

Cannellini, kidney, or great northern beans are excellent choices. They add texture, protein, and a creamy element to the soup.

• How can I make the soup more filling?

Add more beans, use whole wheat pasta, or include additional vegetables like spinach or kale to increase the soup’s nutritional value and satiety.

Minestrone Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian Minestrone soup brims with garden-fresh vegetables, tender beans, and al dente pasta, creating a comforting melody of flavors. Nourishing and rich with Mediterranean charm, you’ll savor each spoonful of this classic Italian comfort classic.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 potato, diced

Proteins and Canned Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) cannellini beans, drained

Base and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) small pasta (like elbow macaroni)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate flame, introducing diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté the vegetables until they become translucent and tender, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate minced garlic, cubed zucchini, and diced potatoes into the vegetable mixture. Continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the ingredients to release their aromatic essence.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and vegetable broth. Season with dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Elevate the heat to generate a gentle simmer and allow the soup to develop its robust flavors for 15 minutes.
4. Gently introduce pasta into the bubbling liquid, stirring to prevent sticking. Reduce heat and let the pasta cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, typically 10-12 minutes.
5. Once pasta is tender and vegetables are thoroughly cooked, remove from heat. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, creating a vibrant and hearty meal.
6. Enhance the presentation by scattering freshly torn basil leaves across the surface, adding a final touch of aromatic freshness before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the most vibrant and flavorful soup base.
• Customize the protein by adding pre-cooked diced chicken or keeping it vegetarian with plant-based options.
• Choose small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells to ensure even cooking and better texture throughout the soup.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container, knowing the pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so you might need to add extra broth when reheating.

• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg