Easy & Delicious Minestrone Soup Recipe
Easy & Delicious Minestrone Soup Recipe
Minestrone soup is a hearty, vegetable-packed Italian soup that's perfect for a comforting and healthy meal. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and is a great way to use up leftover produce. Get ready to enjoy a flavorful bowl of minestrone that's both satisfying and nutritious! — Dancing With The Stars: How Does The Scoring Work?
What is Minestrone Soup?
Minestrone is a thick vegetable soup of Italian origin. It often includes pasta or rice, beans, and a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, celery, and tomatoes. There is no fixed recipe, as it varies based on regional and seasonal ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to embrace seasonal eating and reduce food waste. — Bailey Obituaries: Grenada Community Mourns
Ingredients You'll Need
- Vegetables: 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 zucchini, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 cup green beans
- Broth: 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- Beans: 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans (or any white beans)
- Pasta: 1/2 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 bay leaf
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Add diced tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in Broth and Season: Pour in vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Add dried oregano and a bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add Beans and Pasta: Add cannellini beans (drained and rinsed) and small pasta to the pot. Cook until pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure the pasta is cooked through al dente.
- Remove Bay Leaf: Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the minestrone soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Best Minestrone Soup
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, potatoes, or bell peppers.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can add a wonderful aroma and flavor.
- Add a Parmesan Rind: Simmering a Parmesan rind in the soup adds a rich, savory depth. Remove before serving.
- Make it Vegan: Ensure your broth and Parmesan cheese (if using) are vegan-friendly.
- Adjust the Consistency: For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup before adding the pasta.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
- Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Pesto: Add a dollop of pesto on top for extra flavor.
Health Benefits of Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is packed with nutrients and offers several health benefits:
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Provides essential vitamins and minerals from a variety of vegetables.
- High in Fiber: Promotes digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Low in Calories: A light yet filling meal option.
- Antioxidant-Rich: Vegetables provide antioxidants that protect against cell damage.
Variations
- Pesto Minestrone: Stir in pesto before serving for a vibrant flavor.
- Spicy Minestrone: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Chicken Minestrone: Use chicken broth and add shredded cooked chicken for extra protein.
Get Started!
Ready to make your own delicious minestrone soup? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of goodness. Don't forget to share your culinary creations with friends and family! — Marina Leblanc: Discovering The Enigmatic Figure
Enjoy your homemade minestrone soup!
