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comforting, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal? This minestrone soup recipe is the perfect choice! Packed with vibrant vegetables, tender beans, and a rich, flavorful broth, this classic Italian-American dish is both hearty and healthy. Whether you need a cozy dinner for a chilly evening or a nourishing meal prep option, this easy minestrone soup recipe delivers. It’s fully customizable, allowing you to use seasonal vegetables, different types of beans, or even add pasta for extra texture.
With simple pantry ingredients and bold flavors, this homemade minestrone soup is a favorite in American households. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and can be easily adapted to suit vegan or gluten-free diets!
minestrone soup recipe Details
- Preparation Time: PT15M
- Cooking Time: PT40M
- Total Time: PT55M
- Type: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Recipe Yield: 6 servings
- Calories: ~250 per serving
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Carrots (chopped) | 2 medium |
| Celery (chopped) | 2 stalks |
| Zucchini (diced) | 1 medium |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Vegetable broth | 6 cups |
| Red kidney beans (drained & rinsed) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Great Northern beans (drained & rinsed) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Green beans (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Baby spinach | 2 cups |
| Small pasta (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (optional) | For garnish |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Stir in diced zucchini, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, kidney beans, Great Northern beans, and green beans.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- If using pasta, add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Stir in baby spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Conclusion
This minestrone soup recipe is a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to make and perfect for any season. Loaded with fresh vegetables and beans, it’s a wholesome dish that satisfies both taste and health. Whether you enjoy it as a light dinner or a filling lunch, this homemade minestrone soup will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media with your creations. Looking for more cozy recipes? Subscribe for more delicious ideas!
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FAQs
1. How to make minestrone soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious.
2. Can I substitute beans in minestrone soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to use chickpeas, black beans, or lentils instead of the traditional kidney and Great Northern beans.
3. What is the best pasta for minestrone soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo work best as they hold up well in the broth.
4. Can I freeze minestrone soup?
Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
5. How can I make this minestrone soup vegan?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese garnish and ensure your pasta is egg-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.