What is a soup?Minestrone Soup Recipe: is the one I make when I need a hug in a bowl, when the weather’s turned chilly and I’m craving something comforting and packed with goodness. It’s similar to pasta e fagioli, but with a whole garden of veggies thrown in – think of it as the ultimate clean-out-the-fridge meal, but elevated to a dish you’ll actually *want* to Make again and again. My grandma used to make a version of this, and the smell alone takes me right back to her cozy kitchen. This is *that* good. It’s the kind of soup that gets better the next day, if it even lasts that long!
What is minestrone soup?
Minestrone Soup is, at its heart, an Italian vegetable soup. Think of it as a celebration of seasonal produce, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. “Minestrone” itself basically translates to “big soup,” which is perfect because this dish is anything but shy! It’s essentially a hearty vegetable stew, often including pasta or rice, and sometimes beans. It’s rustic, it’s forgiving, and it’s utterly delicious. There’s no one “right” way to make it – that’s the beauty of it! It really is the perfect way to use any leftover veggies you have lying around.
Why you’ll love This Recipe?
What are some good reasons to love this recipe? What is the flavor? It’s a symphony of sweet tomatoes, earthy vegetables, and savory herbs, all mingling together in this enchanting cocktail. What are some of the best broths in the world What do you love about this movie?Minestrone Soup Recipe:Can you customize zucchini to your liking? Have leftover pesto? Stir it in at the end for an extra burst of flavor! Is it incredibly versatile and surprisingly easy to make? What are some of the best ingredients for a quick meal? Why?Minestrone Soup Recipe uses affordable ingredients, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, which is always a win in my book. It rivals any restaurant version. I tested this with some homemade vegetable broth, and let me tell you, it elevated the whole thing! You can also use store-bought, of course, but if you have the time, homemade really makes a difference. I honestly find myself craving this more than Chicken Noodle Soup sometimes, and that’s saying something!
How do I make minestrone soup?
Quick Overview
Making this Minestrone Soup Recipe:Is it easier than you think? What’s the best way to start sautéing onions, carrots, and celery? What are your favorite vegetables, along with some diced tomatoes and broth? Simmer it all until the vegetables are tender, then stir in some pasta or rice (or both! What are beans? It’s so simple and incredibly rewarding.Minestrone Soup RecipeIs one to keep in your back pocket for those busy weeknights?
Ingredients
For the Base:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is best for flavor! ) * 1 medium onion, chopped * 2 carrots, cut * 3 celery stalks and 2 cloves garlic. Why do I always add an extra clove or two to my minced garlic?
For the Soup:
* 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium, if possible) * 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained * 2 cups canned tomatoes. What are some good dried oregano powders? ) * 1 cup chopped zucchini * 2 cups chopped spinach (or kale, if you like to eat it) Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained * 1/2 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow) * 1 (15 ounce) can cannons, boiled and dried. What are the best macaroni recipes
To Finish:
* Salt and pepper to taste * Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) * Grated Parmesan cheese. (optional, but highly recommended!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Set aside. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. I always make sure to stir frequently so that the garlic doesn’t burn – that’s a lesson I learned the hard way.
Step 2: Add Broth and Tomatoes
What is the best way to prepare the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes? Stir in the oregano, basil, and Red Pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the zucchini, Green Beans, and spinach. Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. If you’re using kale instead of spinach, you might want to add it a bit earlier, as it takes longer to cook.
Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta
Stir in the cannellini beans and pasta. Simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot!
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). I always add a little drizzle of olive oil on top too – it adds a nice richness.
What should I serve it with?
Minestrone Soup Recipe:Is so versatile and pairs well with so many things! I love serving bread with a crusty piece of bread for dipping. What is the best way to serve it? What bread is essential to soak up all that delicious broth? If you want to make it a more substantial meal, try serving it with grilled cheese sandwich or toasted bread. My kids love it with garlic bread, which is always a hit. If you’re going for a more traditional Italian meal, serve it as your starter before your main course of lasagna. What are spaghetti and meatballs?
For a Cozy Night In: Pair it with a grilled cheese or crusty bread for dipping. Add a glass of red wine to your dinner.
For a Family Meal:What is the best way to serve garlic bread with a salad?
For a Potluck:Bring a big pot with slits to share. If you have a soup, consider bringing crusty bread for people to enjoy.
How do I make minestrone soup?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that can really elevate your Minestrone Soup Recipe. First, don’t skip the sautéing step! Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil creates a flavorful base that’s essential for a good soup. Second, use good quality broth. The broth is the foundation of the soup, so using a flavorful broth will make a big difference. If you have the time, homemade broth is always best, but store-bought broth works just fine too. Just make sure to choose a low-sodium option so you can control the saltiness of the soup. As I said earlier, I have tested this Minestrone Soup Recipe:How do I make homemade vegetable broth? Third, don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables. One time I even added butternut squash and it was great! What is the beauty of minestrone? What vegetables can you use? Fourth, if you want to make soup even heartier, add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Is there a trick to make e-mail more robust? Don’t overcook pasta! Overcooked pasta is mushy and unpleasant. Add the pasta towards the end of cooking and cook it until it’s just al dente. I also have to add, don’t be tempted to put too much pasta. Sixth, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like soup, add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Can you add lemon juice to a curry?
Storing and Reheating Tips
Minestrone Soup Recipe. is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. To store leftover soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to use a microwave-safe dish and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent it from exploding. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, you can add a little water or broth to thin it out. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or on the countertop. Then, reheat it as described above.
Room Temperature: RoomDo not leave out for more than 2 hours. The ingredients are perishable.
Refrigerator Storage: 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Minestrone Soup Recipe is more than just a soup – it’s a taste of home, a warm hug on a cold day, and a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, each cook adding their own personal touch. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! And if you love this Minestrone Soup Recipe, be sure to check out my other soup recipes, like my Creamy Tomato Soup or my Hearty Lentil Soup. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what variations you tried! And if you loved it, don’t forget to give it a rating!
Minestrone Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Extra Virgin
- 1 cup Diced Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth Low Sodium
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup Diced Carrots
- 1 cup Diced Celery
- 1 cup Zucchini Diced
- 1 cup Green Beans Cut into 1-inch pieces
- 0.5 cup Small Pasta Ditalini or Elbow Macaroni
- 1 can Kidney Beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 0.5 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt To taste
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper To taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add pasta and kidney beans to the pot. Cook until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in fresh parsley. Serve hot.
