Minestrone Soup

why make this recipe

Minestrone Soup is a classic Italian dish that is hearty, nutritious, and very easy to make. It is a great way to use up seasonal vegetables, and it offers a comforting meal for the whole family. This soup is not only filling but also packed with vitamins and minerals. Plus, you can customize it based on what you have in your pantry or your personal taste preferences.

how to make Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (chopped)
• 2 celery ribs (thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves (grated)
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1½ cups cooked white beans or kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ¾ cup small pasta
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add the garlic, tomatoes, beans, green beans, broth, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Stir in the pasta and cook, uncovered, for 10 more minutes, until the pasta is cooked through.
5. Season to taste and serve with parsley, red pepper flakes, and parmesan if desired.

how to serve Minestrone Soup

Serve your Minestrone Soup hot in bowls. You can sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added flavor and color. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick, and if you like cheese, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can enhance the taste. Pair it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

how to store Minestrone Soup

To store Minestrone Soup, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as soup expands when frozen. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

tips to make Minestrone Soup

• Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• If you want a richer flavor, you can sauté the garlic and onion a bit longer.
• For a heartier soup, you can add more beans or even some cooked meat if you prefer.

variation

You can easily make a vegan version of this soup by making sure all your ingredients are plant-based. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding gluten.

FAQs

1. Can I make Minestrone Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just add all the ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

2. Can I use canned beans instead of cooked ones?
Absolutely! Canned beans are convenient and work perfectly. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding.

3. Can I add meat to Minestrone Soup?
Yes, you can add diced chicken or Italian sausage for a protein boost. Just cook the meat before adding the vegetables.