Nana’s Minestrone Soup
Nana’s Minestrone Soup: A Heartwarming Italian Classic
Looking for a soup that’s both comforting and packed with nutrients? Look no further than Nana’s Minestrone Soup! This vibrant Italian soup is a celebration of fresh vegetables, hearty pasta, and flavorful broth. It’s the perfect dish for a chilly evening, a cozy lunch, or a satisfying dinner. This recipe has been passed down through generations, and we’re thrilled to share it with you.
Minestrone, meaning “big soup” in Italian, is traditionally a very flexible recipe. It’s a wonderful way to use up whatever vegetables you have on hand. However, this version stays true to Nana’s original, delivering a consistently delicious and comforting experience. The combination of carrots, celery, green beans, and spinach creates a beautiful medley of colors and textures, while the ditalini pasta adds a delightful heartiness.
What makes this Minestrone special?
- Fresh Vegetables: We prioritize fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and nutritional value.
- Hearty and Filling: The pasta and abundance of vegetables make this soup a complete meal.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, or kale.
- Family Favorite: This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Tips for the Best Minestrone:
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: You want them to retain some texture and bite.
- Use a good quality vegetable broth: This is the base of the soup, so choose a flavorful broth.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or oregano as needed.
- Garnish generously with Parmesan cheese: It adds a salty, savory finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different pasta shapes?
A: Absolutely! Ditalini or elbow macaroni are traditional, but you can use any small pasta shape you prefer.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! Minestrone actually tastes even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze Minestrone?
A: Yes, but the pasta may become a bit mushy. It’s best to freeze the soup before adding the pasta.
Q: Is Minestrone vegetarian/vegan?
A: This recipe is vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese garnish.
Q: What if I don’t have all the vegetables listed?
A: Minestrone is very forgiving! Feel free to substitute other vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini, potatoes, or kale would all be great additions.
Enjoy this heartwarming and flavorful soup – a true taste of Nana’s kitchen!
Nana's Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion medium onion chopped
- 2 carrots medium carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks celery stalks chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 cup green beans cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup small pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni
- 1 cup spinach chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, green beans, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add pasta and continue to simmer until pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
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