Easy & Delicious Minestrone Soup Recipe

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Minestrone soup is a hearty, vegetable-packed Italian soup perfect for a comforting and healthy meal. This recipe is easy to follow and customizable to your favorite vegetables. — Noel Clarke: Career, Allegations, And Latest News

What is Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone is a thick vegetable soup of Italian origin. It often includes pasta or rice, and common ingredients include beans, onions, celery, carrots, stock, and tomatoes. There's no fixed recipe, so it's a great way to use up leftover vegetables.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, it's a vitamin and fiber powerhouse.
  • Versatile: Adaptable to your favorite vegetables and pantry staples.
  • Easy to Make: Simple instructions for a satisfying meal.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 1 tablespoon 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 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sauté the 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 the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Incorporate Beans and Pasta: Stir in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, and pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Add Remaining Vegetables: Add the zucchini and spinach. Cook until the zucchini is tender and the spinach is wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
  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

  • Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or potatoes.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
  • Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: Ensure your vegetable broth is vegetarian or vegan.
  • Add a Parmesan Rind: Simmering a Parmesan rind in the soup adds a rich, umami flavor (remove before serving).

Serving Suggestions

Serve your minestrone soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a dollop of pesto adds a flavorful finishing touch.

Make It Ahead

Minestrone soup is perfect for making ahead. The flavors meld together even more overnight. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. — Mercury Vs Lynx: WNBA Showdown!

Enjoy Your Homemade Minestrone Soup!

This minestrone soup recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and customizable meal. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor every spoonful! — Decoding '6 7': What Kids Really Mean