This minestrone soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that showcases a colorful array of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, this soup is nourishing, easy to prepare, and creates delightful leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nourishing and Healthy: Packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables and fiber from beans, this soup is a wholesome choice.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, anyone can whip up this minestrone soup in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the beans according to your taste.
- Flavorful Broth: The combination of crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning creates a deliciously rich broth that enhances every bite.
- Great Leftovers: This minestrone soup keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some must-have items for preparing minestrone soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for combining all ingredients without overflowing as you simmer the soup.
- Chef’s knife: A good-quality knife makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring even cooking of ingredients.
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!
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium onion (chopped)
– 2 sticks celery (chopped)
– 3 medium carrots (peeled & sliced)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth or veggie broth
– 1 small zucchini (chopped)
– 1 cup chopped fresh green beans
– 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
– 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney (cannellini) beans (drained)
– 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 about 7–10 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, and Italian seasoning. Increase the heat to high and bring everything to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat so it’s simmering. Cover the pot with the lid slightly open and cook for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Stir in the pasta. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 15–20 minutes or until both pasta and veggies are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Before serving, season generously with salt & pepper. Stir in basil if desired. Serve each bowl topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. If you find the minestrone too thick after storing leftovers, just add a splash more broth before reheating.
How to Serve Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked sourdough or baguette pairs perfectly with minestrone soup, helping you soak up every delicious drop of broth.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each bowl with fresh basil or parsley to add a burst of flavor and a pop of color.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving adds richness and depth to the flavors.
Served with Grated Cheese
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese sprinkled on top creates a creamy finish that complements the soup beautifully.
Accompanied by Salad
- A crisp green salad alongside your minestrone offers a refreshing contrast and balances the warm soup.
In a Bread Bowl
- For an extra special touch, serve your minestrone in a hollowed-out bread bowl for both presentation and taste.
How to Perfect Minestrone Soup
Perfecting your minestrone soup can elevate it from good to great. Here are some tips for achieving the best results.
Use Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporating seasonal produce enhances flavor and nutrition, making your soup vibrant and fresh.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on your pasta while it cooks; aim for al dente to maintain texture in the soup.
Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go! Start with less salt and pepper, adding more until you reach your preferred level of seasoning.
Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for about 30 minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
Freeze Leftovers Properly: Store leftovers in airtight containers. When reheating, add a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Minestrone Soup
Pairing minestrone soup with the right sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent side dishes to consider.
Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth of minestrone.
Caesar Salad: The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons complement the hearty flavors of the soup nicely.
Stuffed Peppers: These flavorful peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa make a filling addition next to your minestrone.
Bruschetta: A fresh tomato bruschetta topped with basil offers a light and flavorful contrast to the warm soup.
Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta can serve as a comforting side dish that pairs well without overpowering the soup’s flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies brings extra nutrition and color to your meal.
Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables adds variety and texture alongside your minestrone.
Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the warm soup while enhancing its Italian character.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making minestrone soup can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the vegetables enhances their flavors. Don’t rush this step; take your time to develop a rich base for your soup.
Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoned soup can taste bland. Be generous with salt and pepper during cooking, and adjust to taste before serving.
Using overcooked pasta: Overcooked pasta can turn mushy in soup. Cook it al dente separately or add it towards the end of cooking to maintain texture.
Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables add brightness and flavor. Whenever possible, opt for fresh rather than canned or frozen ingredients for the best results.
Forgetting about leftovers: Minestrone soup makes great leftovers! Don’t forget to store any extra soup properly to enjoy later.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store minestrone soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Minestrone Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Minestrone Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about minestrone soup that may help you enhance your cooking experience.
What is minestrone soup?
Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian vegetable soup that typically includes beans, pasta, and seasonal vegetables in a savory broth.
Can I customize my minestrone soup?
Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables or proteins like chicken or sausage. Make it your own based on what you have on hand!
How can I make minestrone soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of minestrone soup, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any meat ingredients.
What should I serve with minestrone soup?
Minestrone soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or cheese adds an extra touch of flavor!
Final Thoughts
This minestrone soup recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can adapt it with different veggies or beans based on your preferences or what’s available. Enjoy making this delicious dish that warms the heart!
Minestrone Soup
Minestrone Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food, brimming with a vibrant mix of seasonal vegetables, hearty beans, and tender pasta all simmered in a rich tomato broth. This nutritious dish is perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings, offering both warmth and satisfaction. Not only is it easy to prepare with simple ingredients, but it’s also highly adaptable—feel free to incorporate your favorite veggies or beans. Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week. Dive into this wholesome Italian classic that promises to nourish both body and soul.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped)
- 3 medium carrots (peeled & sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth or veggie broth
- 1 small zucchini (chopped)
- 1 cup chopped fresh green beans
- 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
- 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney (cannellini) beans (drained)
- 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)
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic; sauté for 7–10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer; cover slightly and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni; continue simmering uncovered for 15–20 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
