This minestrone soup is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Loaded with fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and tender pasta in a rich tomato broth, this classic Italian soup is both nourishing and easy to prepare. It’s not just delicious but also versatile, making it an ideal meal for meal prep or leftovers throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables and beans, minestrone soup offers a wealth of vitamins and minerals.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this recipe.
- Versatile Options: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes, tailoring the soup to your taste.
- Great Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal planning.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of herbs and fresh ingredients creates a warm, inviting bowl of goodness.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to make preparing your minestrone soup smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for simmering all your ingredients together evenly without spilling.
- Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables easier and safer, allowing for quicker prep time.
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 fresh green beans (chopped)
Canned Goods
- 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)
Pasta & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
Final Touches
- 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 olive oil, butter, onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to a large soup pot. Sauté for 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 it 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 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add Pasta
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes without a lid until both the pasta and veggies are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Before serving, season generously with salt & pepper. Stir in fresh basil if using. Serve each bowl topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. If too thick, add more broth as needed.
Enjoy your delicious homemade minestrone soup!
How to Serve Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience with this delightful Italian classic.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your minestrone soup with crusty bread for delicious dipping. A baguette or sourdough works wonderfully to soak up the flavorful broth.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each bowl of soup with fresh basil or parsley. This adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor profile, making each spoonful even more enjoyable.
Accompanied by Cheese
- Serve your minestrone soup with grated parmesan cheese on top. This adds richness and a savory touch that complements the soup perfectly.
As a Light Meal
- Enjoy minestrone soup as a light meal option. It’s filling yet healthy, making it ideal for lunch or a simple dinner.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun presentation, serve minestrone in a bread bowl. This not only looks appealing but also provides an extra treat as you eat the bowl along with the soup.
How to Perfect Minestrone Soup
To make your minestrone soup truly exceptional, consider these tips that elevate its flavors and textures.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition, ensuring every bite is delicious.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to achieve your preferred flavor.
- Cook pasta separately: If you want leftovers, cook pasta al dente separately to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheating.
- Add greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and vibrant color.
- Let it sit: Allowing the soup to rest for a bit after cooking lets flavors meld beautifully. It often tastes better the next day!
- Experiment with beans: Feel free to swap in different beans like chickpeas or black beans for variety and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Minestrone Soup
Pairing side dishes with your minestrone soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: This buttery treat is perfect for soaking up any leftover broth from your bowl.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds crunch and complements the warmth of the soup.
- Caprese Salad: Bright tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing contrast to hearty minestrone.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can bring additional flavors and textures to your meal while remaining light yet filling.
- Antipasto Platter: Offer a variety of cured meats, olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables for an Italian-inspired spread.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic pairing that brings comfort food vibes to your table, perfect for dunking in your soup.
- Quinoa Salad: This healthy side adds protein and fiber while keeping things light.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies enhances the meal’s overall flavors and offers extra nutrients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making minestrone soup can be an enjoyable experience, but common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using stale ingredients – Fresh vegetables are key to a vibrant minestrone. Always check that your ingredients are fresh and in good condition before starting.
- Skipping the sauté step – Sautéing the onions, celery, and carrots enhances their flavors. Don’t rush this step; take the time to caramelize them slightly for the best taste.
- Overcooking the pasta – Pasta can become mushy if overcooked in the soup. Cook it just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the residual heat.
- Not seasoning properly – Seasoning is crucial for flavor. Be generous with salt and pepper, and taste as you go to ensure a well-balanced soup.
- Ignoring leftovers – Minestrone soup tastes even better the next day! Store it properly to enjoy its rich flavors later.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store minestrone soup in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Minestrone Soup
- Freeze your minestrone in individual portions for easy meals.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Minestrone Soup
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered in an oven-safe dish until warm.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Stovetop – Reheat on medium heat in a pot, stirring until evenly warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making minestrone soup that might help you achieve the best results.
What is Minestrone Soup?
Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian soup made with vegetables, beans, and pasta. It’s often enjoyed for its nourishing ingredients and comforting flavors.
Can I customize my Minestrone Soup?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or proteins based on what you have available or your personal preferences.
How long does Minestrone Soup last?
When stored properly, minestrone soup can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.
What type of beans should I use for Minestrone Soup?
You can use any variety of beans such as kidney beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas depending on your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
This minestrone soup recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. Feel free to experiment with various vegetables or add protein like chicken or sausage. Its ability to adapt makes it an excellent choice for any meal. Try making this delightful dish today and enjoy its amazing flavors!
Minestrone Soup
Minestrone Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Bursting with fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and tender pasta in a rich tomato broth, this classic Italian dish is nourishing and simple to prepare. Whether you’re enjoying a family dinner or hosting friends, this versatile soup can be customized to suit your taste. It’s not only delicious but also makes for fantastic leftovers throughout the week. Dive into a warm bowl of goodness that’s sure to satisfy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- 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 fresh green beans (chopped)
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 14 oz can red kidney beans (drained)
- 14 oz can white kidney beans (drained)
- 3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh basil
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic in olive oil and butter in a large pot for 7-10 minutes until softened.
- Add crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, both types of beans, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
