Minestrone Soup

Picture a steaming bowl of minestrone soup, brimming with vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs, wafting its comforting aroma through your kitchen.

This classic Italian delight is incredibly easy to make, perfect for those cozy evenings when you crave something warm and nourishing.

As simple ingredients like zucchini and cannellini beans simmer together, they transform into a hearty masterpiece.

Ready to bring this wholesome dish to life? Let’s get cooking!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Ladle

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (14-ounce) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup pasta (small shapes like ditalini)
• 1 can (15-ounce) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Minestrone Soup, follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Setup (5 minutes)
   • Quickly read through the recipe and gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
2. Prep Work (15 minutes)
   • Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini.
   • Mince the garlic.
   • Cut the green beans into 1-inch pieces.
   • Chop the fresh spinach.
3. Cooking (45 minutes)
   • 0:00 – 2:00: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • 2:00 – 5:00: Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
   • 5:00 – 10:00: Stir in carrots and celery; cook for about 5 minutes.
   • 10:00 – 13:00: Add zucchini and green beans; cook for an additional 3 minutes.
   • 13:00 – 15:00: Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth; stir to combine.
   • 15:00 – 35:00: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low; simmer for 20 minutes.
   • 35:00 – 45:00: Stir in pasta and cook until al dente; add cannellini beans, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer for another 5 minutes.
   • 45:00: Stir in fresh spinach.
4. Resting Time (10 minutes)
   • Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until onion becomes translucent.

Stir in carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes.

Add zucchini and green beans, cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to combine.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Stir in pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.

Add cannellini beans, oregano, and basil, season with salt and pepper.

Simmer for another 5 minutes until flavors meld.

Stir in fresh spinach just before serving.

Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.
• Olive Oil Drizzle: Add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for enhanced depth and aroma.
• Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a rejuvenating contrast.
• Red Wine: Enjoy with a glass of red wine, like Chianti, to complement the Italian flavors.

Storage

Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze Minestrone Soup, allow it to cool completely.

Transfer into airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.

Label with date and contents.

Freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat Minestrone Soup, gently warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

Alternatively, microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Minestrone Soup is a versatile and hearty dish that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine.

It allows for flexibility with ingredients, making it a great option for utilizing seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if using canned ingredients, to control the saltiness.

If you enjoy a thicker consistency, consider mashing some of the cannellini beans before adding them to the soup.

For an added touch of flavor, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving.

Enjoy this nourishing soup as a comforting main course that’s sure to satisfy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Minestrone Soup Be Made Vegan?

Yes, you can make it vegan. Use vegetable broth and skip Parmesan cheese. Confirm all ingredients are plant-based and adjust seasonings to taste. Add extra vegetables or legumes for a heartier texture and nutritional boost.

What Are Some Variations of Minestrone Soup?

You can vary your soup by adding seasonal vegetables, swapping pasta for grains like farro, or incorporating different beans. For a richer flavor, use roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes. Don’t forget fresh herbs for an aromatic finish.

Is Minestrone Soup Suitable for Gluten-Free Diets?

Yes, you can make minestrone soup suitable for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free pasta or omitting it entirely. Confirm all canned ingredients, like beans and broth, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination and maintain dietary integrity.

How Can I Add More Protein to Minestrone Soup?

To boost protein, add cooked chicken or turkey, or stir in tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. You could also incorporate quinoa or lentils. Adjust seasoning to balance flavors, ensuring the soup remains deliciously satisfying.

What Are the Common Allergens in Minestrone Soup?

You should watch out for common allergens like gluten in pasta, soy in canned beans, and potential cross-contamination from broth. Always check labels and consider substituting gluten-free pasta or fresh beans for safer alternatives.