Easy & Delicious Minestrone Soup Recipe

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Minestrone soup is a hearty, vegetable-packed Italian soup perfect for any time of year. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and beans, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. — Liezel Pieters Age: Everything You Need To Know

What is Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone is a thick soup of Italian origin made with vegetables, often with the addition of pasta or rice, sometimes both. Common ingredients include beans, onions, celery, carrots, stock, and tomatoes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Versatile: Easily adaptable to use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
  • Healthy: Packed with nutrients and fiber from all the vegetables.
  • Delicious: A flavorful and comforting soup that everyone will enjoy.
  • Budget-Friendly: A great way to use up leftover vegetables and pantry staples.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1 cup chopped green beans
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in vegetable broth and add diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Add Pasta and Beans: Stir in pasta and cannellini beans. Continue to simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Add Remaining Vegetables: Add zucchini and green beans. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
  5. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for the Best Minestrone

  • Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the soup.
  • Don't Overcook the Pasta: Add the pasta at the right time to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Adjust the Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add more broth. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
  • Customize with Your Favorite Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or potatoes.

Variations

  • Add Meat: For a heartier soup, add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or pancetta.
  • Make it Vegan: Ensure you are using vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese.
  • Use Different Beans: Kidney beans, borlotti beans, or chickpeas can be used instead of cannellini beans.

Serving Suggestions

Serve minestrone soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of pesto also adds a nice touch. — Russ Millions Net Worth: How Rich Is The Rapper?

Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Enjoy this comforting and nutritious minestrone soup recipe! It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and enjoy a taste of Italy. — Movierulz: Watch Latest Movies Online

CTA: Try this recipe today and share your creations with us!