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Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup
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Minestrone Soup is a hearty and nourishing Italian classic, packed with fresh vegetables, beans, herbs, and pasta or rice. Perfect for chilly evenings, this comforting soup delivers a rich, savory flavor with a vibrant mix of seasonal produce. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s an ideal filling meal that suits vegetarian, vegan, and meat-eater preferences alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Beans

  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Broth

  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Pasta or Grain

  • 1 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini, elbow macaroni) or rice

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Other

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Vegetables: Chop onions, carrots, celery, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces. Mince garlic and set aside to build your flavorful base.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in diced tomatoes and vegetable or chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld flavors together.
  4. Incorporate Beans and Pasta: Add drained beans and your choice of pasta or rice. Continue to simmer until the pasta is tender and soup thickens, usually 10-15 minutes.
  5. Season and Finish with Herbs: Season with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Cook a few more minutes before serving to allow the herbs to release their flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
  • Sauté slowly to allow aromatics to soften gently and enhance the soup’s depth without bitterness.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; add it toward the end to prevent mushiness.
  • Customize thickness by mashing a few beans or vegetables against the pot’s side if desired.
  • Let the soup rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to marry beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: minestrone soup, hearty soup, Italian soup, vegetable soup, bean soup, gluten free, vegetarian, vegan option, comfort food

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/minestrone-soup/