Minestrone Soup with Meatballs
Cozy Up with Hearty Italian Minestrone with Meatballs
When the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup. And if you’re craving Italian flavors, look no further than our Hearty Italian Minestrone with Meatballs! This isn’t your average minestrone; it’s packed with tender meatballs, a rainbow of vegetables, and hearty beans, all swimming in a flavorful broth. It’s a complete meal in one pot, perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend.
Minestrone, meaning “big soup” in Italian, is traditionally a vegetable-based soup, but variations abound. Our version adds the satisfying richness of meatballs, making it extra special. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies and a protein boost, making it a family-friendly favorite.
What makes this minestrone so good?
- Flavorful Broth: The combination of vegetable broth and diced tomatoes creates a rich and savory base.
- Hearty and Filling: The addition of beans and meatballs makes this soup substantial enough to be a complete meal.
- Vegetable Packed: Zucchini, carrots, celery, and more contribute a variety of textures and nutrients.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.
Tips for the Best Minestrone:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Add the pasta towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright, vibrant flavor.
- Simmer, don’t boil: Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Make it your own: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the meatballs and use vegetable broth. You could also add more beans or other vegetables for extra protein and substance.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! Minestrone actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: What kind of pasta is best for minestrone?
A: Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best. They hold their shape well and distribute evenly throughout the soup.
Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
A: Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the soup.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful Hearty Italian Minestrone with Meatballs! It’s a soup that’s sure to warm your heart and soul.
Hearty Italian Minestrone with Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 cup kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta such as ditalini
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 12 oz Italian meatballs cooked
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, pasta, zucchini, carrots, and celery to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Stir in cooked meatballs and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
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