Warm up with a comforting bowl of our minestrone soup recipe, a true Italian classic. This vibrant vegetable soup is incredibly versatile, adapting to whatever fresh produce you have on hand. It’s a wholesome, satisfying meal packed with flavor that the whole family will adore, perfect for any season.
Tracing back to ancient Rome, minestrone soup has a rich history as a humble, vegetable-based dish that evolved with available ingredients. Learn more about the origins of minestrone soup on Wikipedia.
Why You’ll Love This Minestrone Soup
This particular minestrone soup recipe quickly becomes a family favorite for many reasons:
- Packed with fresh vegetables: Enjoy a rainbow of healthy, seasonal produce in every spoonful.
- Hearty, satisfying, and comforting: It’s a complete meal that truly fills you up, offering warmth and nourishment.
- Easy to customize and adapt: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your pantry or dietary needs.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, as flavors deepen over time.
- Naturally healthy and delicious: This soup is loaded with fiber and vitamins, making it a guilt-free pleasure.
Ingredients
Creating this delicious minestrone soup recipe starts with fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this classic Italian comfort food to life in your kitchen.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp, for sautéing aromatics and building a flavorful base.
- Onion: 1/2 large (diced into small cubes), essential for deep, savory flavor.
- Carrots: 2 medium (diced into small cubes), adding natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery: 6 ribs (diced into small cubes), a crucial aromatic that complements other vegetables.
- Garlic: 2 cloves (minced), providing a pungent, aromatic kick to the soup.
- Zucchini: 2 small (diced into small cubes), for fresh texture and a touch of green.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: 28 oz can (with juices), forming the rich, tangy backbone of the broth.
- Vegetable Broth: 32 oz, the primary liquid for a savory and healthful base.
- Water: 2 cups, to adjust the soup’s consistency to your liking.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tbsp, a convenient blend of classic Italian herbs.
- Dried Basil: 1 tbsp, enhancing the tomato flavor and overall aroma.
- Small Pasta: 1/2 cup (ditalini, elbow, or small shells), adding delightful chewiness and substance.
- Canned Great Northern Beans: 15 oz can (drained, rinsed), providing creamy texture and plant-based protein.
- Canned Kidney Beans: 15 oz can (drained, rinsed), contributing a heartier texture and more protein.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, for perfect seasoning balance.
- Fresh Parsley/Parmesan: For serving, optional garnishes that elevate the experience.
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your minestrone soup recipe. You can swap in other vegetables like green beans, spinach, or potatoes based on the season. For different bean varieties, try cannellini or chickpeas. If you don’t have ditalini, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells work wonderfully. While vegetable broth keeps it vegan, chicken broth can be used for a richer flavor. Dried herbs are convenient, but you can use fresh herbs by tripling the amount.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools to make this fantastic homemade minestrone. Just gather a few kitchen essentials, and you’ll be ready to start cooking.
- Large Dutch oven or pot: Essential for simmering the soup evenly.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For efficiently prepping all your fresh vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Stirring spoon or ladle: For mixing and serving your delicious creation.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a nourishing and flavorful minestrone soup recipe. This method ensures every ingredient contributes perfectly to the final, comforting dish.
- Prep Vegetables: Begin by dicing all your vegetables, including the onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini, into small, uniform cubes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Zucchini: Stir in the diced zucchini to the pot. Continue to sauté for another 3-5 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly, but still retain a bit of bite.
- Stir in Garlic: Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Cook briefly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add Tomatoes & Seasonings: Pour in the 28 oz can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and 1 tablespoon of dried basil. Mix everything well to coat the vegetables in these aromatic flavors.
- Pour in Liquids: Add 32 oz of vegetable broth and 2 cups of water to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring to Simmer: Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This allows all the beautiful flavors to meld together.
- Add Pasta & Beans: Stir in 1/2 cup of your chosen small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or shells). Also, add the drained and rinsed 15 oz cans of Great Northern beans and kidney beans to the pot.
- Cook Pasta: Continue to simmer the soup uncovered for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (cooked through but still firm to the bite). Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and season generously with salt and black pepper as needed. The exact amount will depend on the saltiness of your broth.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the hearty minestrone soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making a fantastic minestrone soup recipe is simple with a few smart techniques. Don’t overcrowd the pot when sautéing; work in batches if necessary for proper caramelization. Sautéing your vegetables properly creates a deep flavor base, so don’t rush this initial step. Add pasta at the right time, towards the end, to prevent it from becoming mushy. Adjust liquid for desired thickness; add more broth or water if it’s too thick, or simmer longer if it’s too thin. Always taste and season generously throughout the cooking process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Pasta will continue to absorb liquid and cook even after the heat is off. Add it later and cook just until al dente.
- Using bland broth: A good quality vegetable broth makes all the difference in a delicious minestrone.
- Not sautéing veggies enough: Proper sautéing develops the foundational flavors of your soup. Don’t skimp on this step.
- Forgetting to season layers: Seasoning at different stages (when sautéing, after adding tomatoes, before serving) builds complex flavor.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile minestrone soup recipe offers many possibilities for serving and storage. It’s truly a dish that keeps on giving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your classic minestrone with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the rich broth. A dollop of pesto on top adds a vibrant, fresh flavor, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle warmth.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may soften further.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooled minestrone soup in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of extra vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency, as the pasta will absorb liquid.
Recipe Variations
- Add Protein: Boost the heartiness by adding cooked Italian sausage, shredded cooked chicken, or even more plant-based protein like chickpeas.
- Go Green: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
- Spice It Up: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a touch of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free small pasta variety to make this soup suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan if you ensure your vegetable broth is truly plant-based. Skip the Parmesan cheese for serving.
Nutrition Information
This homemade minestrone soup is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s naturally rich in fiber, thanks to the abundance of vegetables and beans. You’ll also get a good source of essential vitamins and minerals from the fresh produce. This hearty vegetable soup is relatively low in calories while being incredibly satisfying. It truly is a wholesome, plant-forward meal perfect for a balanced diet.
The nutritional benefits of minestrone soup are well-documented, with its rich array of vegetables and fiber contributing to cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Discover more about the health advantages of minestrone soup.
| Nutrients (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210-250 kcal |
| Protein | 10-12g |
| Fat | 3-5g |
| Carbohydrates | 40-50g |
| Fiber | 10-12g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make minestrone soup ahead of time?
Yes, this minestrone soup recipe is perfect for making ahead! The flavors deepen beautifully when stored in the refrigerator overnight.
What kind of pasta is best for minestrone?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best as they fit well on a spoon. Avoid larger pasta that can overwhelm the soup.
How do I prevent pasta from getting mushy?
Add the pasta during the last 8-10 minutes of cooking and cook only until al dente. You can also cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls when serving.
Can I freeze leftover minestrone soup?
Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then freeze it in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
What if my soup is too thick/thin?
If your soup is too thick, simply add more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Conclusion
This homemade minestrone soup recipe offers a delightful journey into comforting Italian flavors. Its adaptability means you can easily tailor it to your preferences, making it a truly versatile dish. We encourage you to try this simple yet deeply satisfying recipe; it’s a testament to how delicious and healthy a homemade meal can be. Enjoy the warmth and nourishment of this wholesome, easy-to-make soup.
