This minestrone soup recipe is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and pasta simmered in a savory tomato broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep for the week, this classic Italian dish brings comfort and nourishment to your table. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, minestrone soup is not just a meal but an experience that warms the heart and soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this soup in no time.
- Packed with Nutrition: The mix of vegetables and beans makes this minestrone soup a healthy option full of vitamins and minerals.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in whatever veggies you have on hand; it’s a great way to reduce food waste.
- Delicious Leftovers: The flavors deepen as the soup sits, making it even tastier the next day.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a chilly evening or a gathering with friends, this soup fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious minestrone soup recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly while providing enough space for simmering.
- Sharp knife: A good knife speeds up prep time by easily chopping vegetables.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring even mixing.
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!
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped)
- 3 medium carrots (peeled & sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small zucchini (chopped)
- 1 cup chopped fresh green beans
Beans & Broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth or veggie broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
- 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney (cannellini) beans (drained)
Seasoning & Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 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 7-10 minutes until softened.
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 until it comes to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat for simmering. Cover the pot slightly open and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Continue simmering uncovered for another 15-20 minutes or until pasta and veggies are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Before serving, season generously with salt & pepper. Stir in basil if using. Serve each bowl topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. If too thick, add a splash more broth especially when reheating leftovers.
How to Serve Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve with slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: A side of buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly with the flavors of the soup.
Topped with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan cheese on top to add richness and depth.
- Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella adds a gooey texture that is simply irresistible.
Garnished with Herbs
- Fresh Basil: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley can brighten up the dish and add color.
Accompanied by a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the hearty soup nicely.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of minestrone.
How to Perfect Minestrone Soup
To make sure your minestrone soup turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to maximize flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water until desired consistency is achieved.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For best texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Season Generously: Taste as you go and adjust seasonings for optimal flavor balance.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a bit after cooking lets flavors meld beautifully.
- Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Minestrone Soup
Pairing your minestrone soup with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a fresh bite.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a great finger food.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, olives, and cheeses provides a flavorful start to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa complement the hearty nature of minestrone.
- Simple Green Salad: A mixed greens salad dressed lightly allows the soup’s flavors to shine through.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits infused with garlic and cheese are perfect for scooping up soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making minestrone soup is simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the sauté step: Failing to sauté the vegetables before adding other ingredients can lead to bland flavors. Always start with sautéing onions, garlic, and other aromatics for a rich base.
- Using low-quality broth: Using weak broth can dilute the soup’s flavor. Opt for high-quality chicken or vegetable broth for a robust taste.
- Overcooking the pasta: If you add pasta too early or cook it for too long, it can become mushy. Add the pasta towards the end of cooking and check for doneness frequently.
- Neglecting seasoning: Not seasoning throughout the cooking process can result in a flat taste. Season at different stages, tasting as you go for the best flavor.
- Not customizing: Sticking strictly to the recipe can limit creativity. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or beans based on what you have on hand.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Minestrone Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers to store soup if you want to keep it longer.
- Minestrone can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Minestrone Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about minestrone soup that might help enhance your cooking experience.
What is minestrone soup?
Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian dish made with various vegetables, beans, and pasta in a savory broth. It’s known for its comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients.
Can I make minestrone soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based. This makes it a warm, satisfying vegetarian meal.
How can I customize my minestrone soup?
You can add any vegetables you prefer, such as spinach or kale, or switch out beans based on your taste. Feel free to use different types of pasta too!
Is minestrone soup healthy?
Absolutely! Minestrone is packed with nutrients from vegetables and beans. It’s low in calories while providing fiber and protein, making it a healthy choice.
Final Thoughts
This minestrone soup recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or something nutritious, give this recipe a try—it’s sure to warm your heart!
Minestrone Soup
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of this Minestrone Soup, a classic Italian dish that brings together a delightful medley of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and pasta simmered in a savory tomato broth. This nourishing soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep to enjoy throughout the week. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, Minestrone Soup not only warms the body but also nourishes the soul. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s a versatile recipe that allows you to use whatever veggies you have on hand. Enjoy it with crusty bread or topped with freshly grated cheese for an unforgettable meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 bowls
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped)
- 3 medium carrots (peeled & sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small zucchini (chopped)
- 1 cup chopped fresh green beans
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
- 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney beans (drained)
- 3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic; sauté for 7-10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, kidney beans, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni and continue simmering uncovered for another 15-20 minutes or until pasta and veggies are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving. Top with fresh basil and parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
