Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Vegetable Soup is a hearty Italian classic, brimming with beans, pasta, and fresh herbs. This nutritious vegetarian meal is a comforting choice for a cozy family dinner, offering a rich tomato broth filled with garden-fresh flavors and satisfying textures.

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This easy-to-follow recipe brings together the best of Italian cuisine, utilizing simple pantry staples and fresh produce to create a soup that is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 can (400 g/14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (400 g/14 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 1.5 liters (6 cups) vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Stir in the garlic, zucchini, potato, and green beans. Cook for another 3 minutes.

Step 3

Add the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, dried herbs, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.

Step 4

Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the pasta. Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta and vegetables are tender.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, you can add a Parmesan rind during the simmering stage and remove it before serving. Using a large soup pot and a wooden spoon ensures the vegetables are evenly sautéed and the soup is well-mixed.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. You can also customize the soup by adding seasonal vegetables such as cabbage or peas to the mix, depending on what is fresh.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread and a glass of Chianti. Note that the recipe contains gluten in the pasta and dairy in the optional Parmesan; for vegan or gluten-free diets, use appropriate substitutes.

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Each serving of this wholesome Minestrone provides approximately 240 calories, 8g of protein, and 38g of carbohydrates, making it a balanced and nutritious meal for the whole family.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of beans in minestrone?

Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with kidney beans, borlotti beans, or chickpeas. Each variety adds its own texture and flavor while maintaining the hearty character of the soup.

→ What pasta shapes work best for minestrone?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo work perfectly. They're easy to spoon and blend well with the vegetables and beans in every bite.

→ How do I store leftover minestrone soup?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb liquid over time, so add extra broth when reheating to restore the desired consistency.

→ Can I make minestrone soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the soup without pasta, refrigerate, then add and cook the pasta just before serving. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and maintains the best texture.

→ What vegetables can I add or substitute?

Minestrone is highly adaptable. Try adding cabbage, peas, bell peppers, or butternut squash. Use whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand for a personalized variation.

→ How can I make this soup more filling?

Increase the pasta or beans, add diced pancetta or Italian sausage for a non-vegetarian version, or serve with thick slices of crusty Italian bread for a complete, satisfying meal.