Minestrone soup is a hearty and nutritious Italian classic, known for its rich flavors and variety of vegetables. This recipe offers a comforting bowl of soup that’s perfect for any time of year. Packed with seasonal vegetables, beans, pasta, and herbs, it’s a wholesome dish that satisfies both hunger and taste. Let’s dive into making this delicious Minestrone soup from scratch!
Ingredients for Minestrone Soup
To prepare Minestrone soup, gather the following ingredients:
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large, diced
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Zucchini: 1 medium, diced
- Potatoes: 2 medium, diced
- Green beans: 1 cup, trimmed and chopped
- Canned diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz), with juices
- Cannellini beans: 1 can (14 oz), drained and rinsed
- Vegetable broth: 6 cups
- Pasta: 1 cup (small pasta like ditalini or small shells)
- Bay leaves: 2
- Fresh thyme: 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley: For garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For serving (optional)
How to Make Minestrone Soup
Follow these steps to prepare delicious Minestrone soup:
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add remaining vegetables: Add diced zucchini, potatoes, and green beans to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer with tomatoes and beans: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the rinsed cannellini beans. Stir to combine.
- Add broth and herbs: Pour in the vegetable broth. Add bay leaves and chopped fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Cook pasta: Once boiling, add the pasta to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta and vegetables are tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
- Vegetables: The combination of onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, potatoes, and green beans provides a variety of textures and flavors, making the soup hearty and nutritious.
- Cannellini beans: These beans add protein and creaminess to the soup, enhancing its texture and nutritional value.
- Pasta: Small pasta like ditalini or small shells are traditional in Minestrone soup, providing a comforting element and absorbing the flavors of the broth.
- Herbs and seasonings: Fresh thyme, bay leaves, garlic, salt, and pepper contribute to the aromatic and savory profile of the soup.
Minestrone soup is a versatile dish that can be adapted based on seasonal vegetables and personal preferences. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying soup as a main course or as a starter to a delicious Italian-inspired meal.
