Quick & Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

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

Vegetables dance with beans in this classic Italian culinary tradition.

Robust flavors merge seamlessly, creating a nutritious meal that satisfies deeply.

Kitchens come alive with the aroma of simmering herbs and fresh ingredients.

Mediterranean influences shine through each spoonful of this rustic dish.

We love how simple ingredients can combine into something extraordinary.

Take your taste buds on a delightful journey through Italian countryside cooking.

Ingredients Needed For Delia Smith Minestrone Soup

• Onion: A foundational aromatic that adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
• Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and vibrant color to the minestrone.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle herbal note and additional texture to the soup.
• Garlic: Offers a robust and pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Kidney Beans, White Beans: Deliver plant-based protein and hearty texture to the soup.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates the flavorful liquid foundation for the minestrone.
• Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy base that adds complexity to the soup.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavors.
• Bay Leaves, Oregano, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that add depth and traditional Italian character.

• Pasta: Adds substance and makes the soup more filling.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, clean finishing touch.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds a savory, salty element.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and providing a subtle, rich flavor.

Making Delia Smith Minestrone Soup At Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame, creating a perfect base for your hearty soup.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Medley

Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir and cook for about 8 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and let it dance in the pot for 1 minute, releasing its aromatic essence.

Step 4: Build the Soup Foundation

• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Cannellini beans
• Vegetable or chicken broth
• Bay leaves
• Dried oregano
• Fresh thyme

Stir everything together, creating a rich and flavorful soup base.

Step 5: Let the Flavors Mingle

Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the ingredients to get to know each other and develop deep, complex flavors.

Step 6: Introduce the Pasta

Add your favorite pasta and continue simmering uncovered for 10 minutes until the pasta becomes perfectly tender.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serving

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Helpful Tips For Delia Smith Minestrone Soup

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast herbs and spices in olive oil before adding other ingredients to enhance the soup's aromatic profile and release deeper, richer flavors.
• Perfect Texture Control: Add pasta during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain a firm, al dente consistency that doesn't turn mushy.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup base without pasta and refrigerate for up to 3 days, adding fresh pasta just before serving to keep the texture ideal.
• Vegetable Versatility: Swap or add seasonal vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale to customize the soup and boost nutritional value without changing the core recipe.
• Protein Power-Up: Incorporate cooked chicken, sausage, or plant-based protein like quinoa to transform this soup into a more substantial meal for hearty appetites.

Simple Twists On Delia Smith Minestrone Soup

• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Replace beans with quinoa or lentils for added protein and a different texture.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Swap herbs with rosemary and basil, add zucchini and spinach for a Greek-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta or replace pasta with cauliflower rice to make the soup celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Pairings That Work With Delia Smith Minestrone Soup

• Pair Rustic Bread with Soup: Slice crusty Italian bread or sourdough to soak up the rich, hearty broth and complement the vegetable medley.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the soup's robust flavors and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Match with Herbal Side Salad: Create a fresh green salad with mixed herbs, arugula, and a light vinaigrette to contrast the soup's warmth and add brightness to the meal.
• Serve with Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle aged Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of umami and salty complexity that enhances the soup's overall taste profile.

Storing Delia Smith Minestrone Soup Properly

• Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Pour into pot, add splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving to ensure soup is steaming hot.

Delia Smith Minestrone Soup FAQ

• Is minestrone soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with vegetables, beans, and whole grains, providing essential nutrients, fiber, and protein while being low in calories and rich in vitamins.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of regular broth and skip the Parmesan cheese for a completely plant-based version.

• How can I make the soup more filling?

Add extra protein like diced chicken, cooked ground beef, or increase the bean quantity to make the soup more substantial and satisfying.

• What makes this soup different from other vegetable soups?

Minestrone is uniquely Italian with its combination of beans, pasta, and mixed vegetables, creating a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that’s both nutritious and comforting.

Why Delia Smith Minestrone Soup Hits The Spot

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with beans, vegetables, and herbs, this minestrone delivers a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and plant-based proteins in every hearty spoonful.
• Master One-Pot Magic: Prepare an entire meal using just a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time during busy weeknights.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what's in your refrigerator, making this soup adaptable to seasonal produce and personal taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Offering a balanced blend of flavors and textures, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, creating a warm, satisfying dining experience.

Minestrone Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 39 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Minestrone soup blends Italian countryside flavors with garden-fresh vegetables and robust herbs. Rich broth and tender beans create a comforting meal you can savor with crusty bread and warm memories.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Liquid and Canned Ingredients:

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups white or kidney beans, cooked, drained

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3/4 cup small pasta (elbows, shells, orecchiette)
• Pinches of red pepper flakes
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious stockpot at medium temperature, creating a fragrant cooking base.
2. Gently sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery, seasoning with salt and pepper, allowing vegetables to soften and develop rich flavors for approximately 8 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic and quickly roast for 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, combine kidney and cannellini beans, vegetable broth, and herbs including bay leaves, oregano, and thyme, creating a robust and hearty soup foundation.
5. Cover and simmer the mixture on low heat for 20 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, complex flavors.
6. Add uncooked pasta directly into the simmering liquid, continuing to cook uncovered for 10 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
7. Carefully extract bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning as needed, ensuring balanced flavors throughout the soup.
8. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, optional red pepper flakes for heat, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Notes

• Select seasonal vegetables for maximum flavor and nutrients, enhancing the soup’s natural taste and freshness.
• Create a gluten-free version by using alternative pasta like quinoa or rice noodles, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Boost protein content by adding diced chicken or tofu, transforming the soup into a more substantial meal for hearty appetites.
• Prepare the soup in advance and freeze for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier and ensuring a quick, delicious dinner option anytime.

• Prep Time: 9 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg