There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of minestrone soup on a chilly evening. The rich aromas wafting through the air, the vibrant colors dancing in your bowl, and the comforting warmth that wraps around you like a cozy blanket—all make this minestrone soup recipe an unforgettable experience. Imagine spooning into that hearty blend of vegetables, beans, and pasta, each bite a delightful harmony of flavors that makes your taste buds sing.
Every time I whip up this soup, I’m whisked back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where we’d gather as a family to share stories and laughter over bowls of her famous minestrone. It’s perfect for casual weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends—no one can resist its inviting allure. So get ready to embark on a flavor adventure that promises to warm your heart and delight your senses!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This minestrone soup recipe is incredibly easy to prepare; it comes together in under an hour
- Packed with fresh veggies and bold flavors, it’s a feast for both the eyes and palate
- Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning, inviting everyone to dig in
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences
This soup has garnered endless praise from family and friends who rave about its deliciousness.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth to the base of your soup.
Onion: Use a medium yellow onion for sweetness; it provides an aromatic foundation for your minestrone.
Carrots: Fresh carrots bring natural sweetness and vibrant color; choose firm ones for the best texture.
Celery: Celery adds crunch and a subtle earthiness; look for bright green stalks without blemishes.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the flavor profile; use at least three cloves for a robust kick.
Zucchini: Choose small zucchinis as they are tender and flavorful; cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality tomatoes packed in juice for authentic Italian flavor; they provide acidity and brightness.
Vegetable Broth: A low-sodium vegetable broth allows you to control saltiness while enriching the soup’s overall taste.
Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans add protein and texture; rinse them well before use.
Pasta (Ditalini or Small Shells): Small pasta shapes absorb broth beautifully; cook them separately for best results.
Spinach or Kale: Fresh greens add nutrition; toss in just before serving for optimal freshness.
Dried Italian Herbs (Oregano & Basil): These provide classic Italian flavor; use generously to enhance every spoonful.
Salt & Pepper: Always adjust seasoning according to taste; fresh cracked pepper elevates the entire dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
**Sauté the Aromatics**: Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they soften and emit sweet aromas—about 5 minutes.
**Add Garlic and Zucchini**: Stir in minced garlic and zucchini pieces. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until fragrant. This step creates a yummy base for your soup.
**Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth**: Pour in canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Add vegetable broth next, stirring well to combine all ingredients into a colorful medley.
**Introduce Beans and Seasoning**: Toss in drained cannellini beans along with dried oregano and basil. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to simmer—a few minutes will allow those flavors to meld beautifully.
**Cook the Pasta Separately**: In another pot, cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well but don’t rinse! This helps keep that starchy goodness intact.
**Finish with Greens**: Just before serving, stir in fresh spinach or kale leaves until wilted—about 1–2 minutes should do it! Taste one last time for seasoning adjustments before ladling into serving bowls.
With these steps completed, you now have a heartwarming bowl of minestrone that not only nourishes but also delights the senses! Enjoy every slurp!
You Must Know
- This minestrone soup recipe is a comforting classic that brings warmth to any table
- Packed with vibrant vegetables and hearty beans, it’s perfect for chilly evenings
- The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist a bowl right away
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic to build flavor, then add your veggies and broth for a rich base. Simmer until everything is tender and flavors meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables or add pasta for heartiness. Experiment with spices like basil or thyme to enhance flavors uniquely tailored to your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding water if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid mushy vegetables, add them according to cooking time – sturdier ones first
- For extra depth, try adding a Parmesan rind while simmering
- Always taste before serving; seasoning can make or break this dish
Sometimes, I find myself reminiscing about the first time I made this soup—it was during a snowstorm, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it!
FAQ
Can I use frozen vegetables in this minestrone soup recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are convenient and still pack plenty of flavor and nutrients.
What type of beans should I use?
Any canned beans work well—cannellini, kidney, or even chickpeas are great options!
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian minestrone soup recipe.
Minestrone Soup
Warm up your evenings with this comforting minestrone soup, brimming with colorful vegetables, hearty beans, and tender pasta. This easy-to-make recipe evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy kitchens, making it the perfect dish for chilly nights. With its rich flavors and vibrant presentation, a bowl of this minestrone is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes in juice
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini or small shell pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and zucchini; cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices and vegetable broth; mix well.
- Add cannellini beans, oregano, and basil. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a separate pot, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain (do not rinse).
- Just before serving, mix in fresh spinach or kale until wilted (about 1–2 minutes). Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with cooked pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
