Minestrone soup is a hearty, vegetable-packed dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Originating from Italy, this versatile soup is perfect for any season and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a meal-prep staple, this minestrone soup recipe is easy to make and full of flavor.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Serves: 6-8 persons
Health Benefits of Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
The variety of veggies provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while beans add plant-based protein and fiber.
The broth base keeps the soup light yet satisfying, making it a great option for weight management and overall health.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Execution
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and green beans to the pot. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Incorporate Greens: Stir in the spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread on the side.
Additional Tips
- Use whole-grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- Add a Parmesan rind to the soup while simmering for extra depth of flavor.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Customize with seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes.
