Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup (Print)

A classic Italian soup loaded with fresh vegetables, pasta, and beans in rich tomato broth.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup green beans, chopped
08 - 2 cups chopped spinach or kale

→ Base & Seasonings

09 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
10 - 6 cups vegetable broth
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Pasta & Beans

16 - 0.75 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
17 - 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
18 - 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Garnishes

19 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
20 - Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
21 - Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced zucchini, and chopped green beans; cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
04 - Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
05 - Stir in pasta and both types of drained beans. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until pasta reaches al dente texture.
06 - Add spinach or kale and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Remove and discard bay leaf.
07 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutritious: Packed with a variety of vegetables like zucchini, green beans, and carrots.
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with different seasonal greens or gluten-free alternatives.
  • Satisfying: A complete meal thanks to the combination of fiber-rich beans and pasta.
02 -
  • Al Dente Pasta: Simmer the pasta uncovered and keep an eye on the time to ensure it remains firm to the bite.
  • Rinse Beans: Always drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess starch and salt for a cleaner flavor.
  • Seasoning: Always do a final taste test at step 7 to see if extra salt or pepper is needed after the flavors have melded.
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