Minestrone
Cozy Up with Homemade Minestrone: A Hearty Italian Classic
Looking for a comforting and flavourful meal that’s packed with goodness? Look no further than our Homemade Minestrone! This classic Italian soup is a vibrant blend of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, simmered to perfection. It’s the perfect dish for a chilly evening, a light lunch, or a satisfying dinner.
Minestrone, meaning ‘big soup’ in Italian, is wonderfully versatile. Traditionally, it’s a ‘pantry soup’ – meaning you use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Our recipe provides a fantastic base, but feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch! Think zucchini, spinach, potatoes, or even a handful of pesto stirred in at the end.
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly budget-friendly and healthy. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies and enjoy a wholesome meal the whole family will love. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make – ready in just 25 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Minestrone:
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you likely already have.
- Healthy & Nutritious: A great source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your taste and what’s in season.
- Easy to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes!
Tips for the Best Minestrone:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Add it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Use good quality canned tomatoes: This will make a big difference in the flavour of the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a lovely finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different vegetables in this minestrone?
A: Absolutely! Minestrone is all about using what you have. Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, potatoes, or kale.
Q: Can I make this minestrone ahead of time?
A: Yes, minestrone actually tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Is minestrone vegetarian/vegan?
A: This recipe is vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure your pasta doesn’t contain eggs.
Q: Can I freeze minestrone?
A: Yes, you can freeze minestrone. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Q: What does ‘minestrone’ actually mean?
A: ‘Minestrone’ literally translates to ‘big soup’ in Italian, reflecting its hearty and substantial nature.
Homemade Minestrone
Ingredients
- 1 can chopped tomatoes Supermarket own brand is fine
- 1 medium red onion
- 2 spoons oil
- 1 can beans Butter beans (60p per can)
- 50 g pasta Eggless small pasta
- 1 carrot
- 1 garlic clove
- to taste dried oregano
- to taste dried parsley
- to taste salt
- to taste dried basil
- to taste dried dill
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Chop the onion.
- Heat the oil in a big pan.
- Toss in the onions and stir over medium heat for a few minutes.
- Wash, peel, and grate the carrot before adding it to the pan.
- Stir and leave to cook for another couple of minutes.
- Pour the chopped tomatoes, the beans, the pasta, and the mashed garlic and stir.
- Add boiling water and stir.
- Leave to cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the spices and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- The soup is now ready to be served.
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