Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish that is hearty, nutritious, and full of flavor. It’s a versatile soup that can be made with a variety of ingredients, making it the perfect dish to use up any vegetables you have on hand. This recipe for minestrone soup is simple to make and is sure to become a family favorite. In this guide, we will show you how to make this delicious soup step by step.
Ingredients for Hearty Minestrone Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How to Make Hearty Minestrone Soup
Step 1: Saute the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, and green beans. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Beans
Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Add the vegetable broth, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta to the pot and cook for another 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle the minestrone soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
Vegetables
The vegetables in this minestrone soup recipe provide a variety of flavors and textures. Carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, and green beans add sweetness and crunch to the soup. These vegetables are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making this soup a nutritious choice.
Beans
Kidney beans and cannellini beans are the protein-rich stars of this soup. They add heartiness and texture, as well as fiber and essential nutrients. Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and are perfect for making this soup filling and satisfying.
Pasta
The pasta in minestrone soup adds a comforting element and makes the soup more substantial. Ditalini or small shells are traditional choices for minestrone soup, but you can use any small pasta shape you prefer.
Spinach
Spinach is a nutritious addition to this soup, adding a pop of green color and a dose of vitamins and minerals. It wilts quickly into the soup and adds a fresh, earthy flavor.
Hearty minestrone soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that is perfect for any time of year. It’s easy to make and can be customized based on your preferences and what ingredients you have on hand. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite and is a great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in one delicious dish.
