Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe: A Taste Of Italy

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Minestrone soup is a hearty and healthy Italian vegetable soup that's perfect for any time of year. Packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl. Here's a simple and delicious recipe to make your own minestrone at home.

What is Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone is a thick vegetable soup of Italian origin. It typically includes seasonal vegetables, beans, and pasta, though there's no fixed recipe. It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables and create a nutritious meal. — Stella Street & The Guggenheim: An Artful Blend

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Incorporate Beans and Pasta: Stir in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, and pasta. Continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Season and Simmer: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Minestrone

  • Use Fresh, Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale, depending on what's in season.
  • Adjust the Broth: Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
  • Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly and omit the Parmesan cheese.
  • Add a Crust of Bread: Serve with some crusty bread. Here's a great bread recipe to complete the meal.

Variations

  • Pesto Minestrone: Stir in a spoonful of pesto before serving for added flavor.
  • Meat Minestrone: Add cooked sausage or pancetta for a heartier soup.
  • Spicy Minestrone: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Nutritional Benefits

Minestrone soup is packed with nutrients from the variety of vegetables and beans. It’s a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. Plus, it's low in fat and calories! — Ronnie Pickering: The Story Behind The Infamous Meme

Call to Action

Ready to try this delicious and easy minestrone soup recipe? Gather your ingredients and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own kitchen! Don't forget to share your creations with friends and family. Bon appétit! — Wordle Tips & Tricks: Master The Daily Word Puzzle