Authentic Minestrone Soup Recipe: Easy & Delicious
Warm Up with a Bowl of Homemade Minestrone Soup
As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, there's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup to warm you from the inside out. Today, we're diving into a classic Italian favorite: minestrone soup. This isn't just any soup; it's a hearty, vegetable-packed delight that’s incredibly versatile and easy to make at home.
Minestrone, meaning "big soup" in Italian, is traditionally made with whatever vegetables are in season. This makes it a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies and create a nutritious and satisfying meal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and adaptable to your tastes.
Why You'll Love This Minestrone Soup Recipe
- Versatile: Use any vegetables you have on hand.
- Healthy: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Easy to Make: Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Delicious: A flavorful and comforting classic.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to get started. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your preferences.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious pot of minestrone soup.
- 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.
- Add the 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.
- Incorporate Pasta and Beans: Add the pasta and cannellini beans to the pot. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Stir in the green beans, zucchini, and spinach (or kale). Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season to Perfection: Season the soup with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Minestrone
- Customize Your Vegetables: Don't be afraid to swap out vegetables based on what you have available. Potatoes, peas, and corn are all great additions.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and basil can add a burst of flavor to your 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 Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the soup.
Variations to Try
- Pesto Minestrone: Stir in a spoonful of pesto before serving for added flavor.
- Spicy Minestrone: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Meat Lovers' Minestrone: Add cooked Italian sausage or pancetta for a heartier meal.
Final Thoughts
Minestrone soup is more than just a recipe; it's a celebration of seasonal vegetables and simple, wholesome ingredients. This recipe provides a flexible framework for you to create a soup that suits your taste and uses what you have on hand. So, gather your favorite veggies, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and delicious bowl of homemade minestrone soup!
Call to Action: Try this recipe tonight and share your creations with friends and family. Don't forget to leave a comment below with your favorite minestrone variations!
