Easy Minestrone Soup

Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

Creating a hearty and nourishing minestrone soup has always been a beloved tradition in my family. This soup encapsulates warmth and comfort, offering a simple way to enjoy a variety of vegetables and legumes all in one dish. Many evenings, my kitchen would fill with the aromatic scents of sautéing onions, garlic, and fresh herbs as my family gathered around the table, eagerly awaiting the main course.

Minestrone holds a special place in my heart because it thrives on customization and creativity. It embraces whatever fresh veggies one can find, making it both a practical and flexible choice. The blend of flavors comes together beautifully, and the addition of pasta makes each bowl a complete meal. The excitement of adding vibrant ingredients with each season keeps the dish fresh and exciting.

Through this easy minestrone soup recipe, I aim to share my love for cooking and family. This soup is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of gathering, nourishment, and connection. Enjoying this dish brings back memories of laughter and stories shared, demonstrating that food indeed holds the power to unite us.

The Basics of a Delicious Minestrone

Fundamentals

At the core of any great minestrone soup lies a foundation of aromatic vegetables. The classic combination of onions, carrots, and celery forms the base known as the “sofrito.” Sautéing these vegetables in canola oil (or olive oil, for a classic Italian flair) allows them to soften and caramelize, releasing their natural sugars. This step builds the first layer of flavor, creating a rich backdrop for the subsequent ingredients.

Incorporating herbs and spices enhances the depth of flavor in your minestrone. Dried parsley, oregano, and basil add a fragrant profile, while a pinch of black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes introduce a subtle heat. These seasonings elevate the soup from simple to savory, ensuring each spoonful bursts with flavor.

Preparation/Setup

To prepare, gather your ingredients, ensuring freshness for the best results. The key to control over the flavor and texture of your minestrone lies in how you chop and size your vegetables. Finely dicing the onions and adequately chopping the carrots promotes even cooking, while sliced celery brings that classic crunch. Opt for small pasta shapes, which blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, allowing for a satisfying bite in every bowl.

A large pot or Dutch oven works best for this recipe, providing ample space for all the ingredients to meld together beautifully over heat. The sturdy base allows the soup to simmer gently, blending flavors without overcooking delicate vegetables. This setup ensures that you enjoy a bowl of minestrone that’s as delightful as it is comforting.

Ingredients

The key ingredients for a hearty minestrone soup include:

• 1 tbsp Canola Oil (or olive oil for a classic Italian flavor)
• 1 Small Onion (finely diced)
• 2 Ribs Celery (sliced)
• 3 Large Carrots (peeled and finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 tbsp Minced Garlic (about 2-3 large cloves)
• 1 ½ tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Each of Dried Parsley, Oregano, and Basil
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• ⅛ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 4 cup Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth
• 28 oz Can Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 cup Canned Red Kidney Beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup Canned White Kidney Beans (Cannellini) (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup Small Uncooked Pasta
• 2 cup Fresh Spinach
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (for garnish)
• Fresh Basil or Parsley (for garnish)
• A Drizzle of Good Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for finishing)

Directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the canola oil over medium heat. This will provide a hot environment for sautéing.
2. Add the diced onion, sliced celery, and finely chopped carrots. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic, cooking for one minute more while stirring constantly to toast the flavors properly.
4. Season the mixture with salt, dried parsley, oregano, basil, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir for another 30 seconds, releasing their fragrant aroma.
5. Pour in the broth and the undrained can of diced tomatoes. Then, add the rinsed and drained kidney and cannellini beans. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This waiting time lets all the flavors meld beautifully.
7. Increase the heat back to medium to bring the soup to a gentle simmer again. Stir in the uncooked pasta.
8. Cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.
9. Once cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh spinach, allowing the residual warmth to wilt the leaves.
10. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
11. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil.
12. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for enhanced flavor.

Enhancing Your Minestrone Experience

Technique

Perfecting your minestrone soup involves understanding the importance of layering flavors. Each step, from sautéing the vegetables to adding the spices, contributes to a well-rounded taste. Keep an eye on the texture of your vegetables—overcooking them may cause them to lose their integrity and the vibrant color we desire in a good soup.

To elevate your minestrone, aim for a balance between the richness of the broth and the freshness of the vegetables. Experimenting with different pasta shapes or adding seasonal vegetables can also lead to delightful variations. Always keep the flavor profile in mind as you make substitutions.

Tips/Tricks

One effective tip is to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly option that still delivers deep flavor. Additionally, letting your soup sit for a while after cooking can actually improve its flavor as the components meld together. If you find yourself with extra servings, this dish makes for a perfect next-day lunch.

To boost texture, consider adding cooked zucchini or green beans for a little crunch. If you prefer a creamier consistency, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back into the pot. This trick maintains the chunkiness while adding a velvety touch.

Perfecting Your Minestrone Soup

Perfecting Results

Attention to detail ensures your minestrone soup becomes a family favorite. Adjust the balance of broth to beans and pasta according to your preferences. If you like a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or add more beans.

Make sure to taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process. This ensures every bowl delivers maximum flavor. Fresh herbs can transform the final dish—don’t shy away from adding a generous handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your soup turns out too salty, incorporate additional water or low-sodium broth to balance the flavors. Conversely, if the soup lacks depth, consider adding more herbs or spices until it meets your taste preferences.

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Adding or substituting green beans, peas, or even sweet corn can create delightful variations. Remember, minestrone soup adapts to your pantry, ensuring you make a delicious meal without a trip to the store.

Serving and Storing Your Minestrone

Serving/Presentation

Serve your minestrone soup in deep bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables and pasta. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil will elevate the presentation. A bright garnish of fresh basil or parsley adds a finishing touch, inviting your family and friends to dig in.

This soup is perfect for gatherings, as it can easily expand to serve a crowd. Pair it with freshly baked bread for a comforting and satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.

Pairings/Storage

Minestrone soup pairs beautifully with side dishes like crisp salads or bruschetta. These options complement the soup without overshadowing its flavors. When storing leftover soup, let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating in an airtight container.

Minestrone soup can last up to three days in the fridge. For longer storage, consider freezing portions. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. This allows you to have a comforting meal ready on busy days. Reheat it slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth as needed to maintain the ideal consistency.

Creating a comforting bowl of minestrone soup provides warmth and nourishment. Each spoonful brings memories of love and connection shared around the dinner table, making it a cherished dish in every home.

Easy Minestrone Soup

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and nourishing minestrone soup filled with vegetables, legumes, and pasta, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tbsp Canola Oil (or olive oil)
• 1 Small Onion (finely diced)
• 2 Ribs Celery (sliced)
• 3 Large Carrots (peeled and finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 tbsp Minced Garlic (about 2–3 large cloves)
• 1 ½ tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Each of Dried Parsley, Oregano, and Basil
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• ⅛ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 4 cup Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth
• 28 oz Can Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 cup Canned Red Kidney Beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup Canned White Kidney Beans (Cannellini) (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup Small Uncooked Pasta
• 2 cup Fresh Spinach
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (for garnish)
• Fresh Basil or Parsley (for garnish)
• A Drizzle of Good Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for finishing)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the canola oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, sliced celery, and finely chopped carrots. Cook for about 8 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic, cooking for one minute more.
4. Season with salt, dried parsley, oregano, basil, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in the broth and undrained diced tomatoes, then add the rinsed and drained beans. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
7. Bring back to a gentle simmer, stir in the uncooked pasta, and cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes).
8. Once cooked, stir in the chopped fresh spinach.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
10. Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, finishing with a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Let the soup sit for a while after cooking to enhance flavor. Optionally add zucchini or green beans for extra texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: minestrone, soup, vegetarian, comfort food, Italian soup