Why Make This Recipe
Minestrone soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for any time of year. It’s packed with vegetables, protein, and flavor, making it a great choice for a filling meal. This soup is also easy to customize with whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it a flexible option for families. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for guests, minestrone soup is sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Make Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup pasta (small shape like ditalini)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and zucchini, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and kidney beans. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in pasta and oregano, and cook until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Minestrone Soup
Serve minestrone soup warm in bowls. You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color and extra flavor. For a complete meal, pair the soup with crusty bread or a light salad. This soup can also be served as an appetizer or side dish.
How to Store Minestrone Soup
To store minestrone soup, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing the soup. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave space in the container for expansion.
Tips to Make Minestrone Soup
- Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as spinach, peas, or green beans.
- For a heartier version, you can add more beans or a different type of protein like diced chicken or sausage.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or blend a portion of it for a creamier texture.
Variation
You can easily make a vegetarian or vegan version of minestrone soup by using vegetable broth and sticking with plant-based ingredients. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
FAQs
Can I use different beans in minestrone soup?
Yes! You can swap kidney beans for black beans, chickpeas, or any of your favorite beans.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just chop fresh tomatoes and use them in place of canned diced tomatoes. You may need to add a little extra broth if they are not as juicy.
How long does it take to make minestrone soup?
Overall, it takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare and cook minestrone soup, making it a quick and easy meal option.
Minestrone Soup
Hearty and nutritious minestrone soup packed with vegetables, protein, and flavor. A flexible and easy meal option for families.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup pasta (small shape like ditalini)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and zucchini, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and kidney beans. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in pasta and oregano, and cook until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
This soup can easily be customized with seasonal vegetables or different types of beans. For a thicker texture, let it simmer longer or blend a portion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
