great minestrone soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best great minestrone soup recipe

I’ve been making minestrone soup for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family. This Italian-inspired soup is a hearty and flavorful blend of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich vegetable broth. It’s a dish that’s easy to make and customize to your taste, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The best part about minestrone is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can add or subtract ingredients to suit your dietary needs and preferences. My kids love helping me pick out the vegetables at the grocery store, and they always get excited when they see the colorful array of ingredients come together in a delicious bowl of soup. I love serving it with some crusty bread on the side, and it’s also great as a meal prep option for lunches throughout the week.

One of the things I appreciate most about minestrone is its rich history – it originated in Italy as a peasant dish made with scraps of vegetables and leftover bread. Over time, it’s evolved into a beloved recipe around the world, and its flexibility makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness on a chilly day or a nutritious meal to fuel your family’s busy schedule, minestrone is an excellent choice.

With its ease of preparation, customization options, and impressive nutritional profile, this soup has become a staple in our household – and I’m confident it will become one in yours too! When I first started cooking minestrone, I was drawn to its simplicity – just toss all the ingredients into a big pot and let them simmer until the flavors meld together beautifully. As I experimented with different variations over time, I discovered that this soup is more than just the sum of its parts – it’s an experience that brings people together around the table.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or using it as a base for other soups, minestrone is sure to become a beloved addition to your family’s culinary repertoire.

Classic Minestrone Soup

4.9 from 833 votes

A hearty and comforting Italian soup packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta. This minestrone soup is perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Vegetables

1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup chopped spinach

Beans and Pasta

1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup small pasta shapes, such as ditalini or elbow macaroni

Seasonings

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 bay leaves

Liquid

6 cups vegetable broth
1 cup water

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2Add diced onion, carrots, and celery.
3Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves.
6Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7Add vegetable broth, water, cannellini beans, and diced zucchini.
8Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
9Add pasta to the pot and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
10Stir in chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes.
11Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
12Remove bay leaves before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 250 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 8g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: To make this recipe vegetarian, use vegetable broth. For a vegan version, ensure that the pasta used is egg-free.

This recipe has become an essential part of our family gatherings – whether we’re hosting friends or just enjoying a quiet night at home with loved ones.

One reason why this recipe works so well for us is that it’s incredibly versatile: we can easily adapt it to suit our changing schedules or dietary needs.

Plus, its rich history adds an extra layer of meaning when we gather around the table to enjoy this delicious meal together.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Minestrone Soup

What is minestrone soup?

Minestrone soup is an Italian-inspired vegetable soup made with beans, pasta, and vegetables in a rich vegetable broth.

Can I customize this recipe to suit my dietary needs?

Yes, one of the best things about minestrone is its flexibility – you can add or subtract ingredients to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

What type of pasta should I use in this recipe?

You can use any type of short pasta you like – such as elbow macaroni, ditalini, or small shells.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers until you’re ready to assemble the soup.

How long does minestrone keep in the refrigerator?

This soup will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator – simply refrigerate or freeze individual portions as needed.

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