PERFECT MINESTRONE SOUP RECIPE

Craving a hearty, healthy, and utterly delicious soup that’s bursting with fresh vegetables? Look no further! This vibrant Minestrone Soup recipe is your answer, a comforting bowl of goodness that’s surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the aroma of Italy and enjoy a bowl of Minestrone Soup that will warm you from the inside out!

The Heart of the Soup: Ingredients

Before we dive into the magic, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, most of them are pantry staples and fresh veggies. Feel free to customize based on what you have on hand. That’s the beauty of Minestrone!

For the Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

The Veggie Powerhouse:

• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for richer flavor)
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup chopped cabbage

The Italian Touch:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Hearty Additions:

• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)

Toppings & Extras:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Crusty bread (for dipping, of course!)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of homemade Minestrone Soup in no time. I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can totally nail this.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! That’s a flavor killer.

Step 2: Build the Broth

1. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and vegetable broth.
2. Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more later, so start with a little less.

Step 3: Add the Hearty Veggies

1. Bring the soup to a simmer.
2. Add the green beans, zucchini, cabbage, and cannellini beans.
3. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp.

Step 4: Pasta Power!

1. Stir in the pasta.
2. Continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using.
3. Don’t overcook the pasta, or it will get mushy. We’re going for al dente perfection here!

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

1. Stir in the spinach, frozen peas, and corn.
2. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the peas and corn are heated through.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Ladle the Minestrone Soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
4. Enjoy every last spoonful!

Tips and Tricks for Minestrone Masterpieces

Okay, you’ve got the basics down, but let’s elevate your Minestrone game with a few extra tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years. These will help you create a truly unforgettable bowl of Beef Stew, er, I mean, Minestrone!

• Customize Your Veggies: The beauty of Minestrone is its versatility. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand or are in season. Kale, Swiss chard, potatoes, butternut squash – the possibilities are endless!
• Add a Parmesan Rind: For an extra layer of flavor, toss a Parmesan rind into the soup while it’s simmering. Remove it before serving. Trust me, this is a game-changer!
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Make it Ahead: Minestrone Soup actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. So, feel free to make it a day or two in advance.
• Freezer-Friendly: Minestrone Soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It’s the perfect way to have a quick and healthy meal on hand.
• Don’t Forget the Acid: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a little zing.
• Use Quality Ingredients: As with any recipe, the better the ingredients, the better the final product. Use good quality olive oil, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth.

Making it Your Own: Variations on a Theme

Now that you’ve mastered the basic Minestrone, let’s explore some fun and delicious variations. Don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on this classic soup! It might become your signature Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup or other signature soup!

• Protein Power: Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken for a heartier soup.
• Bean Bonanza: Experiment with different types of beans, such as kidney beans, great northern beans, or chickpeas.
• Pesto Power: Stir in a spoonful of pesto at the end for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Creamy Dreamy: For a creamier soup, stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or a splash of cream at the end.
• Vegan Delight: Ensure your vegetable broth is vegan and skip the Parmesan cheese for a delicious vegan Minestrone Soup.
• Sopa Minestrone: This is simply the Spanish translation of Minestrone Soup! So, whether you call it Minestrone or Sopa Minestrone, you’re still enjoying the same delicious vegetable-packed soup.
• Minestrone Soup Easy: This recipe is designed to be easy! The key is to prep your vegetables ahead of time and follow the simple steps.
• Jamie’s Minestrone Soup: While there are many versions of Minestrone, including those by celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver, this recipe provides a solid foundation that you can adapt to your own tastes and preferences. Feel free to explore other recipes and find your favorite!
• Veggie Soup Recipes: Minestrone is just one of many delicious veggie soup options. Explore other recipes like Tomato Soup Recipe or Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Soup for more vegetable-packed goodness.

Why I Love Minestrone (and You Will Too!)

For me, Minestrone Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a feeling. It’s the warmth of a home-cooked meal, the satisfaction of using fresh ingredients, and the joy of sharing a delicious bowl of soup with loved ones. It’s also incredibly healthy, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and reduce food waste. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan.

And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good soup? Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a light summer lunch, Minestrone Soup is always a welcome addition to the table. It’s a versatile, adaptable, and utterly delicious soup that I know you’ll love just as much as I do. Maybe you’ll even find yourself craving it like you would a Lasagna Soup!

Ready to Get Started?

So, there you have it – my ultimate guide to making the perfect Minestrone Soup. I hope you’re feeling inspired to head into the kitchen and create your own masterpiece. Remember, cooking should be fun and relaxing, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. And don’t forget to share your creations with me! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy cooking!

Perfect Minestrone Soup

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Minestrone Soup recipe offers a hearty and healthy bowl bursting with fresh vegetables. It’s a comforting and surprisingly easy-to-make soup, perfect for warming you from the inside out and filling your kitchen with the aroma of Italy. Customize with your favorite vegetables for a truly personalized dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ½ cup corn fresh or frozen
• 1 cup chopped cabbage
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ½ cup small pasta such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Crusty bread for serving

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and vegetable broth.
• Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the soup to a simmer.
• Add the green beans, zucchini, cabbage, and cannellini beans.
• Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp.
• Stir in the pasta.
• Continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using.
• Stir in the spinach, frozen peas, and corn.
• Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the peas and corn are heated through.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Ladle the Minestrone Soup into bowls.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
• Enjoy!

Notes

Customize your veggies based on what you have on hand or is in season. For an extra layer of flavor, toss a Parmesan rind into the soup while it’s simmering, then remove it before serving. Minestrone Soup actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors meld together. It also freezes beautifully, let it cool completely before freezing. A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar at the end brightens up the flavors.