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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious stockpot at medium temperature, creating a fragrant cooking base.
- Gently sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery, seasoning with salt and pepper, allowing vegetables to soften and develop rich flavors for approximately 8 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and quickly roast for 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
- 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.
- Cover and simmer the mixture on low heat for 20 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, complex flavors.
- Add uncooked pasta directly into the simmering liquid, continuing to cook uncovered for 10 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
- Carefully extract bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning as needed, ensuring balanced flavors throughout the soup.
- 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