This minestrone soup is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and pasta, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for any occasion, this comforting dish is not only nourishing but also incredibly easy to prepare. It’s an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep, and it tastes even better as leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nourishing and Healthy: Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and beans, this minestrone soup is a wholesome option for your meals.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have a warm bowl of minestrone ready in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize the soup by adding your favorite veggies or beans based on what you have on hand.
- Amazing Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of herbs, garlic, and fresh ingredients creates a flavorful experience that will please everyone.
Tools and Preparation
To make this minestrone soup, having the right tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tools you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Ideal for simmering all the ingredients together, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient quantities to achieve the best flavor in your minestrone soup.
Ingredients
This minestrone soup recipe is loaded with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a delicious tomato broth. This classic soup is nourishing, easy to make, and makes amazing leftovers!
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium onion (chopped)
– 2 sticks celery (chopped)
– 3 medium carrots (peeled & sliced)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth or veggie broth
– 1 small zucchini (chopped)
– 1 cup chopped fresh green beans
– 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
– 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney (cannellini) beans (drained)
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
– Salt & pepper (to taste)
– Fresh basil (optional, to taste)
– Freshly grated parmesan cheese (to taste)
How to Make Minestrone Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the oil, butter, onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to a large soup pot.
Sauté for about 7–10 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, and Italian seasoning.
Increase the heat to high to bring it to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling:
Reduce the heat so it’s simmering.
Cover the pot with the lid slightly open and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Pasta
Stir in the pasta.
Continue simmering for another 15–20 minutes or until both pasta and veggies are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Serve Your Minestrone Soup
Before serving:
Season with salt & pepper according to taste.
Stir in basil if desired.
Serve each bowl topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. If the soup is too thick after resting, add a splash more broth before serving.
Enjoy this hearty mealtime favorite that’s sure to satisfy!
How to Serve Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a versatile dish that can be enhanced with various toppings and accompaniments. Serving it the right way can elevate your meal and make it even more enjoyable.
With Fresh Herbs
- Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely color and freshness.
With Grated Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese enhances the richness.
- Mozzarella: Add small chunks of mozzarella for a melty delight.
With Crunchy Toppings
- Croutons: Toss in some homemade or store-bought croutons for added texture.
- Toasted Pine Nuts: A handful of toasted pine nuts brings a nutty crunch.
With A Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad pairs perfectly with minestrone for a refreshing balance.
- Mixed Greens: A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Minestrone Soup
To achieve the best minestrone soup, consider these helpful tips that will enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, seasonal vegetables will provide the best taste and nutrition.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving to ensure balanced flavors.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For better texture, cook pasta separately and add to each bowl before serving.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a while after cooking enhances the flavors as they meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Minestrone Soup
Pairing sides with minestrone soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil complements the soup’s flavors.
- Pesto Flatbread: Lightly toasted flatbread topped with pesto adds an aromatic touch.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites filled with cheese and herbs make a delightful accompaniment.
- Roasted Veggies: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables offers additional nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Quesadillas: Simple quesadillas are great for balancing out the soup’s heartiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making minestrone soup can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid for the best results. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Ignoring fresh ingredients: Using stale or old vegetables can ruin the flavor of your soup. Always opt for fresh produce for the best taste.
- Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the pasta too long, it can become mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking to keep it al dente.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can lead to bland soup. Always season your minestrone soup before serving.
- Using only one type of bean: Sticking to just one type of bean limits texture and flavor. Mix different beans for a heartier soup experience.
- Not allowing flavors to meld: Rushing the cooking time prevents flavors from developing fully. Let your soup simmer longer for a richer taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Minestrone Soup
- Cool the soup completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Minestrone Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about minestrone soup:
What is Minestrone Soup?
Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian vegetable soup made with seasonal veggies, beans, and pasta in a savory tomato broth.
Can I customize my Minestrone Soup?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables, use various beans, or swap out pasta shapes based on your preferences.
How do I make Minestrone Soup vegetarian?
Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
Is Minestrone Soup healthy?
Yes! It’s packed with nutrients from vegetables and beans, making it a wholesome choice rich in fiber and vitamins.
How long does Minestrone Soup last?
When stored properly, minestrone soup lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This minestrone soup recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on seasonal vegetables or personal tastes. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy dinner or saving leftovers for lunch, this dish is sure to delight!
Minestrone Soup
Warm up with a bowl of Minestrone Soup, a classic Italian dish that perfectly blends fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. This nourishing soup is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, Minestrone Soup tastes even better as leftovers, making it a satisfying choice for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly evening or an energizing lunch, this vibrant vegetable chowder is sure to delight!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped)
- 3 medium carrots (peeled & sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth or veggie broth
- 1 small zucchini (chopped)
- 1 cup chopped fresh green beans
- 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
- 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney (cannellini) beans (drained)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil (optional, to taste)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté diced onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic in olive oil and butter for 7–10 minutes until softened.
- Add crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, both types of beans, and Italian seasoning; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer; cover partially and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in elbow macaroni; simmer for an additional 15–20 minutes until pasta and veggies are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper; serve hot with fresh basil and parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
