Vegetarian Minestrone Soup
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Authentic Minestrone Soup
When the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty bowl of soup. And when it comes to classic, flavorful soups, Minestrone reigns supreme! This isn’t just any vegetable soup; it’s a vibrant, Italian masterpiece packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta. Our Minestrone Soup recipe is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients, creating a dish that’s both nourishing and incredibly delicious.
What makes our Minestrone special? We focus on building layers of flavor, starting with a fragrant base of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery. The addition of crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth creates a rich, savory foundation, while the generous helping of seasonal vegetables ensures every spoonful is bursting with goodness. And let’s not forget the beans and pasta – they add heartiness and texture, making this soup a complete meal.
A Taste of Italy in Your Kitchen
Minestrone translates to “big soup” in Italian, and that’s exactly what you get – a substantial, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. It’s also incredibly versatile! Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Zucchini, green beans, spinach, and even potatoes all work beautifully in Minestrone.
Health Benefits of Minestrone Soup
Beyond its incredible taste, Minestrone is also incredibly good for you! It’s low in fat, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals. The abundance of vegetables provides essential nutrients, while the beans offer a good source of protein. It’s a truly wholesome and satisfying meal that you can feel good about serving your family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make Minestrone ahead of time? Absolutely! Minestrone actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze Minestrone? Yes, but the pasta may become a bit mushy. If you plan to freeze it, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to the soup after thawing.
- What kind of beans should I use? Cannellini beans are traditional, but you can also use kidney beans, great northern beans, or even chickpeas.
- Is Minestrone Soup vegetarian/vegan? This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly and omit the parmesan rind.
- What if I don’t have all the vegetables? Don’t worry! Minestrone is a very forgiving soup. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Just aim for about 4-5 cups total.
So, gather your ingredients, put on some Italian music, and get ready to enjoy a truly authentic and delicious bowl of Minestrone Soup!
Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion diced
- 2 medium Carrots diced
- 2 stalks Celery diced
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 28oz can Crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 cup Diced zucchini
- 1 cup Diced green beans
- 1 15oz can Cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup Chopped kale
- 1/2 cup Small pasta ditalini or elbow macaroni
- Salt to taste Salt
- Black pepper to taste Black pepper
- Parmesan rind optional Parmesan rind
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, zucchini, and green beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add cannellini beans, kale, and pasta. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through and kale is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a parmesan rind for extra flavor (remove before serving).
- Serve hot.
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