Minestrone Soup
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Hearty Vegetable Minestrone
As the days get shorter and the weather cools down, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, nourishing bowl of soup. And when it comes to classic, satisfying soups, it doesn’t get much better than a vibrant, flavorful Hearty Vegetable Minestrone! This isn’t just a soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, all simmered in a rich, savory broth.
Minestrone, meaning “big soup” in Italian, is traditionally a way to use up whatever vegetables you have on hand. Our version strikes a perfect balance between tradition and deliciousness, offering a robust flavor profile that will delight your taste buds. It’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
What makes this Minestrone special?
- Packed with Nutrients: This soup is brimming with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the abundance of vegetables and beans.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of pasta and beans makes this soup substantial enough to be a complete meal.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Spinach, kale, or even a little butternut squash would be fantastic additions!
- Flavorful Broth: The combination of crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and aromatic herbs creates a deeply flavorful base.
Tips for the Best Minestrone:
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: You want them to be tender-crisp, retaining some of their texture and nutrients.
- Use good quality vegetable broth: This will significantly impact the overall flavor of the soup.
- Simmer, don’t boil: Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil at the end: This adds richness and enhances the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Minestrone actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze Minestrone?
A: Yes, but the pasta may become a little soft. It’s best to freeze the soup before adding the pasta, then cook the pasta separately when you reheat it.
Q: What kind of pasta is best for Minestrone?
A: Ditalini or elbow macaroni are traditional choices, but you can use any small pasta shape you like.
Q: Can I add meat to this soup?
A: Yes! Italian sausage, pancetta, or even shredded chicken would be delicious additions.
Q: Is this soup vegetarian/vegan?
A: This recipe is vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.
So, gather your favorite vegetables, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of heartwarming Hearty Vegetable Minestrone! It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Hearty Vegetable Minestrone
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 carrots carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks celery chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 15 ounce can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta ditalini or elbow macaroni
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- salt and pepper to taste seasoning
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, oregano, and basil and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add cannellini beans and pasta. Continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through.
- Stir in zucchini and green beans and cook for 5 minutes more, or until tender-crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
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