Minestrone soup is a hearty and nutritious Italian soup that is perfect for any time of the year. Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, this delicious soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile.

Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a filling meal or simply want to warm up on a chilly day, minestrone soup is the answer.

Ingredients

To make a delicious minestrone soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:.

– 1 tablespoon olive oil.

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped.

– 2 cloves of garlic, minced.

– 2 stalks of celery, diced.

– 2 carrots, diced.

– 1 zucchini, diced.

– 1 cup green beans, chopped.

– 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes.

– 4 cups vegetable broth.

– 1 can (14 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed.

– 1 can (14 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed.

– 1 cup small pasta (such as elbow or mini shells).

– 1 teaspoon dried basil.

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano.

– Salt and pepper to taste.

– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional).

– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional).

Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, here’s how you can make minestrone soup:.

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they become fragrant and translucent.

Next, add the diced celery, carrots, zucchini, and green beans. Stir and cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes along with their juices. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Beans and Pasta

After the soup has simmered, it’s time to add the kidney beans, cannellini beans, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Furthermore, add the small pasta of your choice to the pot. Cook the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pasta is cooked, your minestrone soup is ready to be enjoyed! Give it a final taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor, if desired.

You can also garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.

Variations

One of the great things about minestrone soup is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:.

1. Meat-Lover’s Minestrone

If you’re a fan of meat, you can add some diced pancetta or bacon when sautéing the vegetables. The salty and smoky flavor will add a new dimension to your soup.

2. Vegan Delight

For a vegan version, simply skip the Parmesan cheese and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

3. Chunky vs. Creamy

For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the cooked soup using an immersion blender or transfer a portion to a blender and blend until smooth. Then, mix it back with the chunky soup for a rich and creamy minestrone.

4. Add Protein

To make your minestrone soup even more filling, you can add cooked protein of your choice. Some popular options include diced chicken, ground beef, Italian sausage, or even leftover shredded rotisserie chicken.

Health Benefits of Minestrone Soup

Not only is minestrone soup delicious, but it also offers several health benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should add minestrone soup to your meal repertoire:.

1. Nutrient-Rich

Minestrone soup is packed with various vegetables, beans, and pasta, providing a range of essential nutrients. It’s an excellent way to incorporate different veggies into your diet and boost your daily vitamin and mineral intake.

2. High in Fiber

Thanks to the abundance of vegetables and beans, minestrone soup is high in dietary fiber. This can help improve digestion, promote satiety, and support healthy weight management.

3. Low in Calories

If you’re watching your calorie intake, minestrone soup is a great option. It offers a generous serving size without adding excessive calories. Plus, the high fiber content keeps you feeling satisfied for longer.

4. Heart-Healthy

The combination of vegetables and beans in minestrone soup can contribute to heart health. The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants found in these ingredients are beneficial for cardiovascular function and can help lower the risk of heart disease.

Learn how to make the ultimate comfort food with this delicious minestrone soup recipe. Packed with hearty vegetables, beans, and pasta, it’s a nutritious meal that will warm you up all year round.