This minestrone soup recipe is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and comforting pasta all simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to elegant gatherings, this dish is not only nourishing but also incredibly versatile. Its robust flavors and satisfying texture make it a favorite for leftovers too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with vegetables and beans, this soup keeps you satisfied for hours.
- Easy to Prepare: Quick prep and simple cooking steps mean you can whip it up without stress.
- Customizable: Adjust the veggies or beans based on what you have on hand or your personal taste.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week; it tastes even better the next day!
- Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with fiber and vitamins, this soup makes for a healthy meal option.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your minestrone soup, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for holding all ingredients while allowing ample space for the soup to simmer.
- Chef’s knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
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!
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium onion (chopped)
– 2 sticks celery (chopped)
– 3 medium carrots (peeled & sliced)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth or veggie broth
– 1 small zucchini (chopped)
– 1 cup chopped fresh green beans
– 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
– 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney (cannellini) beans (drained)
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
– Salt & pepper (to taste)
– Fresh basil (optional, to taste)
– Freshly grated parmesan cheese (to taste)
How to Make Minestrone Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Add the oil, butter, onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to a large soup pot. Sauté for about 7–10 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, and Italian seasoning. Increase heat to high until boiling.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer. Cover the pot slightly open and cook for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add Pasta
Stir in the elbow macaroni. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 15–20 minutes or until pasta and veggies are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Before serving, season with salt & pepper. Stir in basil if desired. Serve each bowl with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. If too thick after cooking or storing leftovers, add more broth as needed.
Enjoy your delicious homemade minestrone soup!
How to Serve Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a starter or a main course, there are plenty of options to enhance your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your minestrone soup with a slice of crusty artisan bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth beautifully.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color.
Served with Grated Cheese
- Finish your bowl with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts slightly into the hot soup, adding creaminess and rich flavor.
Accompanied by a Salad
- Serve your minestrone with a light green salad. A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette complements the soup perfectly.
As Part of a Larger Meal
- Incorporate minestrone soup into a multi-course meal. It pairs well as an appetizer before an Italian main dish like lasagna or risotto.
How to Perfect Minestrone Soup
To make the best minestrone soup, consider these handy tips that will elevate your dish to restaurant-quality.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables bring vibrant flavors and textures that canned or frozen options may not provide.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition and variety.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add pasta towards the end of cooking to keep it al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving. Adding more salt, pepper, or herbs just before serving can enhance the overall flavor significantly.
- Let It Rest: Allowing your soup to sit for a while after cooking can deepen the flavors as they meld together.
- Make Ahead: Minestrone soup often tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently.
Best Side Dishes for Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is versatile and pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for mopping up leftover broth.
- Caprese Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil that provides a light contrast to hearty minestrone.
- Stuffed Peppers: These add a flavorful twist and make for an impressive presentation alongside your soup.
- Focaccia Bread: This soft Italian bread is deliciously seasoned and complements the rich flavors of minestrone.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil makes for a delightful appetizer before diving into your soup.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted vegetables creates an inviting spread alongside minestrone.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta served warm can be spooned alongside your soup for added comfort and richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds depth and flavor while keeping things nutritious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making minestrone soup is simple, but there are some common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are a few mistakes to watch for.
Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking the vegetables too long can make them mushy. To avoid this, add heartier vegetables first and more delicate ones later in the cooking process.
Ignoring Seasoning: A bland minestrone soup is disappointing. Always taste and season with salt and pepper throughout cooking, adjusting as needed before serving.
Using Low-Quality Broth: The broth sets the flavor foundation for your soup. Opt for high-quality chicken or veggie broth for a richer taste that enhances your minestrone soup.
Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor of your soup. If you can, use fresh basil or parsley right before serving to bring freshness and aroma to your dish.
Not Stirring Enough: Pasta can stick to the bottom of the pot if not stirred regularly. Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering to keep everything well combined.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Minestrone Soup
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, keeping some space at the top for expansion.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Minestrone Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat and stir until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making minestrone soup that you might find helpful.
What is Minestrone Soup?
Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian dish made with various vegetables, beans, pasta, and often includes tomatoes for flavor.
Can I customize my Minestrone Soup?
Yes! You can add different vegetables like spinach or kale, substitute beans based on preference, or even use different types of pasta.
How long does it take to make Minestrone Soup?
The total time is about 55 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner!
Is Minestrone Soup healthy?
Absolutely! This minestrone soup recipe is packed with nutritious veggies and protein-rich beans, making it a wholesome meal option.
Final Thoughts
Minestrone soup is not just comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family meal or something easy to pack for lunch, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Enjoy customizing it to suit your taste!
Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is the quintessential comfort food that warms both the body and soul. Bursting with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and tender pasta in a rich tomato broth, this Italian classic is not only delicious but also highly nutritious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped)
- 3 medium carrots (peeled & sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth or veggie broth
- 1 small zucchini (chopped)
- 1 cup chopped fresh green beans
- 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
- 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney (cannellini) beans (drained)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil (optional, to taste)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (to taste)
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 7–10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni and simmer uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until pasta and veggies are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
