Hearty and Delicious Minestrone Soup Recipe

A warm bowl of minestrone soup is like a hug from your grandmother—comforting, hearty, and packed with love. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as fresh vegetables simmer in a delicious broth. It’s that kind of soul-soothing dish that warms you up on a chilly day or after an exhausting week. This is not just any soup; this is minestrone soup—a vibrant medley of flavors that will make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching.

Now picture this: you come home from a long day, and the thought of cooking feels daunting. But fear not! With minestrone soup, you can whip up something nourishing without breaking into a sweat. Whether you’re cuddling on the couch or entertaining friends at dinner, this recipe is your secret weapon to impress while keeping things simple.

You won’t believe how many smiles this simple recipe can bring to the table.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Olive Oil: A splash of good quality olive oil enhances flavor and helps sauté your veggies perfectly.
• Onion: Diced onions add sweetness; choose firm ones for the best results.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots provide crunch; look for vibrant orange ones for optimal flavor.
• Celery: Chopped celery adds depth; ensure it’s crisp to avoid mushy texture.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the soup with aromatic goodness; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
• Zucchini: Tender zucchini slices add color; pick small ones for better texture.
• Green Beans: Fresh green beans contribute crunch; make sure they’re bright green and firm.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are convenient; opt for those packed in juice for extra flavor.
• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while still packing in flavor.
• Pasta (like ditalini): Small pasta shapes soak up flavors beautifully; cook them separately if preferred.
• Spinach or Kale: Add leafy greens at the end for nutrition; they wilt down quickly but add great texture.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs elevates the dish with classic Italian flair; use fresh if available!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all other flavors; adjust according to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Sauté Your Veggies!

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant—around 5 minutes should do it.

Add More Flavor!

Toss in chopped carrots and celery next. Cook until they soften slightly—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Your kitchen should start smelling divine by now.

The Garlic Moment!

Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s aromatic but not burnt—nobody likes bitter garlic!

Add Tomatoes & Broth!

Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine everything together like old friends catching up after years apart.

The Pasta Party!

Bring everything to a gentle boil before adding your pasta of choice. Let it simmer until al dente according to package instructions—about 7-10 minutes usually does the trick.

Toss in Greens!

Finally, fold in fresh spinach or kale right before serving. Watch it wilt down beautifully—it’s like magic! Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.

Now that you’ve mastered this delicious minestrone soup recipe, you’re ready to delight family or friends with your culinary skills! Perfectly balanced flavors will have them asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

I remember one rainy evening when I made this minestrone soup for my friends during our movie marathon night—their delighted faces were priceless!

Enjoy each spoonful of warmth as you savor every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots before adding broth and vegetables to enhance flavors. This sequence ensures each ingredient shines through in your minestrone soup.

Add Your Touch

Try adding different beans or seasonal vegetables for variety. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top can elevate your minestrone soup’s richness too.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat to maintain texture and flavor.

Sometimes, I whip up a big pot of minestrone when friends visit, and they rave about it! Nothing feels better than seeing everyone enjoy a warm bowl of goodness together.

FAQ

What type of beans work best in minestrone soup?

Canned cannellini or kidney beans are traditional choices but feel free to experiment!

Can I make minestrone soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

How long does minestrone soup last in the fridge?

Properly stored, it lasts up to three days in the refrigerator without losing flavor or texture.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Hearty Minestrone Soup

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 6 servings 1x

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Description

Warm and nourishing, this minestrone soup is a vibrant blend of fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta (or small pasta of choice)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
2. Stir in sliced carrots and chopped celery; cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add minced garlic; sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth; mix well. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 7-10 minutes) until al dente.
6. Fold in spinach or kale just before serving; season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.

Notes

• For extra protein, consider adding canned beans like cannellini or chickpeas.
• Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand for variety!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg