Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Introduction
Embrace warm and cozy evenings with our Delicious Minestrone Soup. Brimming with colorful veggies, tender beans, and a hint of pasta, this Homemade Minestrone Soup recipe will all but transport you straight to Italy. Perfect for family dinners or as a meal for one, it spells comfort in every spoonful.
Why Make This Recipe
Settle for nothing less than a nourishing, heartening bowl of soup that’s steeped in Italian cuisine tradition. Not only does this Minestrone Soup recipe give you a wonderful mix of flavors, but it’s also rich in nutrients with its array of veggies and beans. Minestrone soup makes for an easy and simple way to get that much-needed serving of greens into your diet, all while enjoying a hearty dish.
How to Make Delicious Minestrone Soup
Ingredients:
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
– 3 cups fresh spinach or kale
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot, over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them till they turn fragrant. Proceed to add the carrots and celery, cooking till they begin to soften, which should take about five minutes. Stir in the diced zucchini and bell pepper, letting it cook for another 3-4 minutes.
After that, pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. As soon as it starts simmering, add in the cannellini beans and the one-inch pieces of green beans. Throw in the dried oregano and basil for seasoning, and add some salt and pepper according to your taste. Solo serving or not, let the soup simmer for a good 25 minutes.
On to the final steps, add in the pasta and follow the package instructions till it cooks to al dente. The last addition to the pot will be the fresh spinach or kale, which you need to cook until wilted.
As for serving, adjust the seasoning as per your preference, and serve it steaming hot. You can also garnish it with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve Delicious Minestrone Soup
Generously ladle your Delicious Minestrone Soup into serving bowls. Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top for that extra tang. Serve it hot alongside a nicely toasted slice of crusty bread.
How to Store Delicious Minestrone Soup
After allowing your soup to cool down after serving, you can transfer the leftover Minestrone Soup into an airtight container. Place it in your refrigerator, where it can be kept and reheated within three days.
Tips to Make Delicious Minestrone Soup
For a richer taste, consider using a homemade vegetable broth. Also, try to use fresh vegetables rather than frozen ones for a stronger taste. Cooking the pasta separately and adding it while serving can prevent it from getting overly soggy.
Variations
For a twist, you could try adding some Italian sausage for a non-vegetarian take on this classic. You could also experiment with different beans, like kidney beans or chickpeas.
FAQs
1. Can Minestrone Soup Be Made Vegan?
You can make this soup vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese, or by replacing it with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese.
2. Can Minestrone Soup Be Frozen?
Yes, Minestrone Soup can be frozen by storing it in suitable freezer containers. It’s recommended to skip adding the pasta if you plan on freezing it, and add cooked pasta while reheating the soup.
3. Does Minestrone Soup Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, Minestrone Soup should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. Store it in an airtight container and it should last for up to three days.
Comfort yourself on a cozy evening with our Delicious Minestrone Soup. Boasting multitudes of tastes and textures, this humble Italian classic delivers harmonious flavor in every bite. The beauty of this Minestrone Soup lies in its versatility, as it can easily be modified to your preferences. Easy, healthy, and downright delectable, this Minestrone Soup guarantees a peppered kitchen experience and delicious dining.