Minestrone Soup - Classic Italian Vegetable Soup
Minestrone soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and packed with vibrant vegetables and beans. This Italian classic is perfect for a cozy meal and is a great way to use up seasonal vegetables. Each spoonful is a celebration of flavors, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, filling dish. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this minestrone soup will hit the spot. The best part? It’s even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld together.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 potato, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Directions
Sauté the Vegetables. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
Add the Rest of the Veggies. Stir in the zucchini and potato. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to start softening.
Build the Soup Base. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Add the Beans and Pasta. Stir in the cannellini beans and pasta. Continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
Finish with Greens. Stir in the chopped spinach or kale. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
Serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Recipe tips
For a richer flavor, consider adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers. Remove before serving. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot. Customize your minestrone by using whatever vegetables are in season or in your fridge. If you’re making this soup ahead of time, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to avoid it becoming too soft.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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