Introduction to Minestrone Soup
Discover the comforting embrace of a hearty Italian classic: minestrone soup. This vibrant dish, beloved worldwide, is celebrated for its nourishing, vegetable-packed nature. Our version makes preparing this flavorful meal incredibly easy, perfect for any weeknight. You will love how simple it is to bring this delicious minestrone soup to your table tonight.
The history of minestrone soup dates back to ancient Rome, where simple vegetable-based soups were commonly prepared. Learn more about the rich history of minestrone soup.
Why You’ll Love This Minestrone Soup
This minestrone soup recipe is designed to become a family favorite, offering both ease and incredible taste.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Each spoonful delivers a rich, deeply flavorful experience, perfect for a cozy meal.
- Nutrient-Packed: It’s loaded with fresh vegetables and plant-based protein, making it wonderfully wholesome.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adapt it to seasonal produce or whatever you have on hand, ensuring fresh flavor every time.
- Quick Weeknight Meal: Get this delicious soup on the table in under an hour, ideal for busy schedules.
- Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it with crusty bread for dipping or a light side salad for a complete meal.
Classic Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper; cook until softened.
- Stir in the grated garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beans, green beans, vegetable broth, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the small pasta and cook without a lid for an additional 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and serve hot garnished with parsley, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Essential Minestrone Soup Ingredients
Crafting a delicious minestrone soup begins with a thoughtful selection of fresh ingredients. These components work together to build a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Aromatics: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion (diced), 2 medium carrots (chopped), 2 celery ribs (thinly sliced). These form the foundational flavor base.
- Flavor Boosters: 3 garlic cloves (grated), 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, 2 bay leaves. These elements deepen the soup’s savory notes.
- Herbs & Seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste), freshly ground black pepper. Essential for authentic Italian taste.
- Protein & Texture: 1½ cups cooked white beans or kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup chopped green beans. They add satisfying substance.
- Carbs: 4 cups vegetable broth, ¾ cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini, elbows, shells, orecchiette). The broth brings everything together, and pasta makes it extra filling.
- Garnishes: ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan cheese (optional). Perfect for a fresh finish and a little kick.
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to adapt this minestrone soup recipe to your preferences or what’s in season.
- Vegetables: Swap celery for thinly sliced fennel or green beans for zucchini, potatoes, or bell peppers.
- Tomatoes: Use 2-3 fresh Roma tomatoes, chopped, during peak summer season for a brighter flavor.
- Greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
- Pasta: Orzo, small shells, or ditalini work beautifully, but any small pasta shape is fine.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or a small amount of rice for a gluten-free option.
- Beans: If using dried beans, cook them yourself and include some of their flavorful cooking liquid.
- Vegan: Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a high-quality vegan alternative for a completely plant-based soup.
Recommended Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes cooking simple and enjoyable. For this minestrone soup, you’ll need just a few kitchen essentials.
- A large Dutch oven or stockpot is perfect for simmering the soup evenly.
- A cutting board and sharp knife are crucial for preparing all your fresh vegetables.
- A grater makes quick work of mincing garlic.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure precise ingredient amounts.
- A wooden spoon or spatula is ideal for stirring and scraping the pot.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a delicious minestrone soup is straightforward with these easy-to-follow steps. Follow along to create a wonderfully flavorful and comforting meal.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, sliced celery, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften and just begin to become translucent, building a strong flavor base for your minestrone soup.
- Add Garlic & Seasonings: Stir in the grated garlic. Cook for just 1 minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can turn bitter. Immediately proceed to the next step to prevent overcooking it.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Now, add the 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, 1½ cups cooked white or kidney beans, and 1 cup chopped green beans to the pot. Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth, and add the 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Stir everything together well to combine all the wonderful flavors that will make your minestrone soup so rich.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to become tender.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the ¾ cup of small pasta (such as elbows or shells). Continue to cook the soup, uncovered this time, for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and tender to your liking. Keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.
- Adjust & Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Taste the minestrone soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and optional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Minestrone
Elevate your homemade minestrone soup with these simple pro tips.
- Build Flavor Base: Do not rush sautéing your onion, carrots, and celery. Cooking them until tender and slightly softened lays a crucial foundation for the soup’s depth. This slow process extracts maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Pasta Perfection: Cooking the pasta directly in the soup helps to slightly thicken the broth with its starches. This creates a wonderfully cohesive and hearty texture.
- Al Dente Pasta: To avoid mushy pasta, cook it only until al dente. If you anticipate leftovers, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it to individual servings to prevent it from swelling too much.
- Seasoning Layers: Always taste and adjust your seasonings before serving. A final pinch of salt, a grind of pepper, or an extra sprinkle of herbs can truly make your minestrone soup shine.
- Fresh Herbs: For the freshest flavor, stir in fresh parsley or basil right before serving. The vibrant greens and aromatic oils brighten the entire dish.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
How to Serve
Serve your steaming hot minestrone soup in generous bowls.
- Garnishes: Finish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Cheese: A generous grating of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami depth that many adore, or try a swirl of vegan pesto for dairy-free richness.
- Accompaniments: Pair it with warm, crusty bread perfect for dipping, or a simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Storage & Make-Ahead
This minestrone soup is fantastic for meal prep!
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For best results, freeze the soup before adding the pasta. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when reheated.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
- Pasta Tip: If freezing, cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve and add it to the thawed and reheated soup.
Creative Variations
Get creative with your minestrone soup and customize it to your taste.
- Seasonal Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like corn, diced potatoes, butternut squash, or bell peppers for different flavors and textures.
- Protein Boost: For non-vegetarians, browned Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) can be added with the aromatics for extra heartiness.
- Different Grains: Replace the pasta with farro, barley, or even quinoa for a change of pace and added fiber.
- Herb Swaps: Experiment with fresh basil, sage, or a blend of Italian herbs to adjust the aromatic profile.
Minestrone Soup Nutrition
Our homemade minestrone soup is a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a comforting yet healthy meal option. It is naturally high in fiber and a wealth of vitamins from all the fresh vegetables. This soup also provides an excellent source of plant-based protein from the beans, while remaining low in saturated fat. Enjoy a meal that nourishes your body and satisfies your soul.
| Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving) |
|---|
| Calories: 250 |
| Total Fat: 8g |
| Saturated Fat: 1g |
| Cholesterol: 0mg |
| Sodium: 600mg |
| Total Carbohydrates: 35g |
| Dietary Fiber: 10g |
| Sugars: 7g |
| Protein: 10g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is minestrone soup?
Minestrone soup is a thick, hearty Italian vegetable soup, often featuring pasta or rice, and sometimes beans. It’s known for its versatility and seasonal ingredients.
Can I make minestrone soup vegetarian/vegan?
Yes, this specific recipe is naturally vegetarian due to its vegetable broth and bean base. Simply omit the optional Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative to make it fully vegan.
What kind of pasta is best for minestrone?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small elbows, orecchiette, or small shells are ideal. They integrate well into the broth without overwhelming the other ingredients.
How long does minestrone soup last in the fridge?
Your minestrone soup will last well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It often tastes even better the next day!
Can I freeze minestrone soup?
Absolutely! For the best texture, freeze the soup before adding the pasta. When reheating, add freshly cooked pasta to maintain its al dente quality
Conclusion
This classic minestrone soup recipe proves that healthy, delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. It offers a wonderfully satisfying and versatile option for any meal, packed with fresh vegetables and hearty flavors. Feel free to customize this comforting dish with your favorite seasonal ingredients. Embrace the simplicity and nourishment; make a big pot of this delightful minestrone soup tonight!
