Craving a bowl of comforting goodness? Look no further! This hearty minestrone soup is an Italian vegetable recipe packed with flavor, nutrients, and everything you need to chase away the chill. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
What is Hearty Minestrone Soup?
Minestrone. The very name conjures images of sun-drenched Italian grandmothers stirring bubbling pots, doesn’t it? But where did the name actually come from? Is it because it’s “mini-stone” soup – a humble broth built on practically nothing? Or is it perhaps a secret code passed down through generations of pasta-loving families? Maybe it’s just because every single ingredient gets minced before going in!
Probably not. But one thing’s for sure: minestrone is a beloved Italian staple, and this hearty minestrone soup is a testament to that. They say the way to a man’s, or anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and this soup absolutely fits the bill. So, ditch the takeout menus and prepare to fall in love with this vibrant, flavorful soup! Why not gather your ingredients and give our recipe a try? We promise you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients for Hearty Minestrone Soup:
Here’s what you’ll need to create a bowl of pure comfort:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin preferred for its flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works best.
- 2 carrots, chopped: About 1 cup when chopped.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: About 1 cup when chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key!
- 8 cups vegetable broth: Low sodium is recommended. Swap to chicken broth or stock if you aren’t worried about it being completely vegetarian.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Don’t drain them! The liquid is full of flavor.
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained: Feel free to use other beans like kidney or great northern.
- 1 cup small pasta, such as ditalini or elbow macaroni: Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- 1 cup chopped zucchini: Adds a nice bit of color and flavor.
- 1 cup chopped green beans: Fresh or frozen work well.
- 1/2 cup packed fresh spinach: Adds nutrients and a pop of green.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For freshness and flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For topping.
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) for a little bit of zing.
How to Make Hearty Minestrone Soup:
This hearty minestrone soup is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a weeknight meal. With just a little bit of chopping and simmering, you’ll have a pot of delicious soup ready in about 45 minutes. It’s packed with vegetables, hearty beans, and comforting pasta, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, adding the dried herbs early to allow them to properly infuse into the soup.
- Add the Beans and Pasta: Reduce the heat to low, add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans and pasta. Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through being careful to not over cook it into mush. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Incorporate the Vegetables: Add the chopped zucchini and green beans to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Stir in the Greens: Stir in the fresh spinach and parsley. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You may need to add more salt depending on the sodium content of your vegetable broth.
- Serve: Ladle the hearty minestrone soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Minestrone Soup:
This hearty minestrone soup is so much more than just a soup – it’s a hug in a bowl! The main highlight is undeniably the vibrant combination of fresh vegetables and herbs, creating a flavor explosion with every spoonful. Making it at home is incredibly cost-effective, especially compared to ordering soup at a restaurant. Plus, it’s customizable.
While Parmesan cheese is a staple topping, try adding a drizzle of pesto or a dollop of ricotta cheese. If you like this recipe, you might also like our recipe for Tomato Soup! So, what are you waiting for? Make a pot today and experience the magic for yourself! Everyone in your family will love this simple yet filling recipe.
What to Serve with Hearty Minestrone Soup:
This hearty minestrone soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing! The cheesy goodness complements the soup perfectly.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic Knots: Fresh garlic knots are very easy to eat with this recipe!
Alternatively, add another Italian element by purchasing some fresh gnocchi to have alongside your soup!
Top Tips for Perfecting Hearty Minestrone Soup:
- Don’t be Afraid to Customize: This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Other great additions include kale, potatoes, or bell peppers.
- Toast the Pasta: Toasting the pasta in a dry pan before adding it to the soup adds a nutty flavor and helps it hold its shape better.
- Use High-Quality Broth: The broth is the base of the soup, so using a good quality broth will make a big difference in the final flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: You want the vegetables to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Let the Soup Simmer: Simmering the soup for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
- Add a Parmesan Rind: Tossing a Parmesan rind into the soup while it simmers adds a rich, umami flavor. Just be sure to remove it before serving.
- Add a squeeze of lemon at the end: Citrus is excellent for adding brightness and cutting through the richness of the broth
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the hearty minestrone soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat the soup, you can either microwave it or heat it on the stovetop. If frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Add a little bit of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much. You may also want to reheat the soup using the same methods listed above.
Final Thoughts:
This hearty minestrone soup is a versatile, delicious, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a comforting bowl of soup on a cold day, this recipe is sure to please. With its vibrant flavors, customizable ingredients, and simple preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian. Just make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: Yes! To make it vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese topping.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a great shortcut for this recipe.
Q: Can I add meat to this soup?
A: Yes! You can add cooked sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken, but this can alter the recipe from its vegetarian-friendly Italian origins. Consider other Italian recipes to properly use these items.
Q: My soup is too thick. What should I do?
A: Add a little bit of water or broth to thin it out.
Q: My soup is too watery. What should I do?
A: Simmer the soup for a little longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest