Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Minestrone is a classic Italian soup that’s beloved for its hearty combination of vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it both nutritious and filling. Based on my overall experience, let me show you how I make a traditional minestrone, and trust me, it’s as comforting as it is versatile.

Minestrone originates from Italy, and while its exact origins are debated, it’s said to come from the regions where farmers made use of the freshest, locally grown ingredients. From Lombardy to Naples, the soup’s ingredients may vary based on what’s in season, but the heart of the recipe remains the same: vegetables, beans, pasta, and a savory broth.

Let me show you how I make a delicious, easy-to-follow minestrone that you can enjoy anytime.

Notes on What to Expect:

Minestrone is a hearty, satisfying soup, full of vibrant vegetables and a rich broth. The flavors deepen as it simmers, making each spoonful comforting and packed with nutrients. The soup is adaptable, so don’t be afraid to swap ingredients based on your personal preferences or what’s in your pantry.

Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ease of Cooking: Easy
Servings: 6-8
Calories: Approximately 180 per serving
Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Soup
Equipment Needed:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Knife and chopping board
• Ladle
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Minestrone  here.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ cups small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Minestrone  here.

Method:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then add the celery, carrots, and zucchini, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
   Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the potato, green beans, bay leaf, and basil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add Beans and Pasta:
   Stir in the beans and pasta. Continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes until the pasta is cooked through. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Finishing Touches:
   Once the soup is done, remove from heat and discard the bay leaf. If desired, stir in fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Variations & Tips:

• For a Vegan Version: Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta or skip it entirely for a more broth-based soup.
• Additional Ingredients: Feel free to add other veggies like spinach, kale, or peas, depending on what’s available. You can also add a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor, especially after sautéing the vegetables.
• Make-Ahead: Minestrone actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you plan to freeze it, add the pasta just before serving.
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Minestrone  here.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

• Calories: 180
• Carbs: 30g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 7g
• Fat: 5g (mostly from olive oil)

I hope this guide has made making minestrone seem a little less daunting, or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comment below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.

This version of minestrone is perfect for beginner cooks, and it’s an easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a comforting, homemade meal. Enjoy!