Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup is the ultimate Italian comfort food. This hearty, classic soup is brimming with seasonal vegetables, tender pasta, and creamy beans, all brought together in a flavorful tomato-based broth. Whether it's a cold evening or you simply crave a nutritious, plant-forward meal, this vegetarian-friendly dish is a perfect choice that yields 6 servings in just about an hour.

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This easy recipe requires a preparation time of 20 minutes and a cooking time of 40 minutes. It's a versatile dish that relies on pantry staples like canned beans and vegetable broth, making it accessible for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large onion (diced), 2 carrots (diced), 2 celery stalks (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 medium zucchini (diced), 1 cup green beans (chopped), 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
• Base & Seasonings: 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes, 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste
• Pasta & Beans: 3/4 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini, elbow, or small shells), 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) cannellini beans (drained and rinsed), 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• Garnishes (optional): Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Stir in garlic, zucchini, and green beans; cook for 3–4 minutes.

Step 3

Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Step 4

Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in pasta and both types of beans. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.

Step 6

Add spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Remove bay leaf.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, remember to remove the bay leaf before serving. If you are following a vegan diet, simply omit the Parmesan cheese garnish or replace it with a plant-based alternative. For those with gluten sensitivities, the small pasta can be easily substituted with your favorite gluten-free variety.

Varianten und Anpassungen

One of the beauties of minestrone is its flexibility. You can add other vegetables such as diced potatoes, shredded cabbage, or frozen peas depending on what you have in your kitchen. This allows you to tailor the soup to your personal preference or the current season.

Serviervorschläge

This soup pairs exceptionally well with a side of crusty Italian bread, perfect for soaking up the savory tomato broth. For an elevated dining experience, serve it alongside a light red wine like Chianti. Each serving provides approximately 275 calories, with 6g of fat, 46g of carbohydrates, and 12g of protein.

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Enjoy this wholesome Italian classic that brings warmth and nutrition to your table. Always remember to check ingredient labels for hidden allergens to ensure the meal remains safe for all your guests.

Recipe FAQ

→ What vegetables work best in minestrone?

Traditional minestrone includes onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, and leafy greens like spinach or kale. You can also add potatoes, cabbage, or peas based on seasonality and preference.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

→ How long does minestrone keep in the refrigerator?

Minestrone stores well for 4-5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve overnight as the ingredients absorb more of the seasoned broth.

→ Can I freeze minestrone soup?

Yes, minestrone freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing, as it will continue to soften when reheated. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.

→ What type of pasta is traditionally used?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best as they fit well on the spoon. These shapes hold up nicely in the broth without becoming mushy.

→ Is minestrone suitable for meal prep?

Minestrone is excellent for meal prep. Make a large batch on Sunday and portion into containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Just reheat on the stovetop or microwave until piping hot.