Okay, friends, listen up! If you’re looking for a hearty, soul-warming, veggie-packed soup that tastes just like big hug, you have come to the right place. You have come to the right place.Minestrone Soup Recipe:What is the best thing ever? I know everyone says that about their recipes, but trust me, this one’s different. Is this soup better than canned soup? Is it easier to make lasagna? What are some recipes that my family makes all year round, not just in the fall or winter? I’ve been making it for years, tweaking it until it was absolutely perfect. What are some of the best flavor explosions ever?

What is Minestrone soup?

What is Minestrone soup? Think of it as a super-charged vegetable soup with an Italian flair. What is essentially a thick and hearty soup loaded with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, all cooked to perfection. What are the best ways to cook a tomato-based soup? What is the beauty of minestrone? Is it a very adaptable dish? What’s a good way to use up whatever vegetables are in season, so feel free to riff on my recipes. What is the magic of good?Minestrone soup recipe.What is the best way to create a really good combination of flavors and textures? What are some of the Is it simple, rustic, and utterly delicious?

Why do I love this recipe?

What are some of the reasons why you’re going to become a millionaire? I’m obsessed with this stuff.Minestrone Soup Recipe:. First, the flavor is just incredible. It’s savory, slightly sweet from the tomatoes, and has a wonderful depth thanks to the herbs and spices. Parmesan rind (trust me on that one! What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. What are some good ways to chop veggies, throw them in a pot, and let it simmer. Is this a lifesaver on busy weeknights? Can you use frozen veggies, canned beans, and whatever pasta you have on hand? What is so versatile? Can I change my diet to be vegetarian or vegan? What vegetables do you have available? It reminds me of a good chili, but lighter and brighter. What are the best recipes to make with a budget? What more do you want?

How do I make minestrone soup?

Quick Overview

Making this Minestrone Soup Recipe:Is it as easy as chopping, simmering, and slurping? I’ll start by sautéing some aromatic veggies like onions, carrots, and celery. How do you add vegetables, beans, and pasta to a tomato broth? What’s the best way to cook a chicken until it is tender and delicious? What is the secret ingredient in Parmesan soup? What makes this recipe so amazing? I promise, even a beginner cook can nail this.

Ingredients

For the Base:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use good quality olive oil; it makes a difference.
* 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works best.
* 2 carrots, chopped: Peel them first for a smoother texture.
* 2 celery stalks, chopped: Don’t skip the celeries; it adds a lot of flavor.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly chopped garlic is key!
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a lovely Italian flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Another classic Italian herb.
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick!

For the Soup:
* 8 cups vegetable broth: You can also use chicken broth for a richer flavor.
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Look for good quality crushed tomato.
* 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained: Rinsing is important to remove excess sodium.
* 1 (15 ounce) can of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained: These add a creamy texture.
* 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni): I usually use ditagli.
* 1 zucchini, chopped: Adds a nice, fresh flavor.
* 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces: Fresh or frozen green bean works great.
* 1 cup chopped spinach: Adds a boost of nutrients and color.
What is the secret ingredient of Parmesan cheese?

For Serving:
* Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously!
* Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For topping.
* Fresh basil leaves, chopped: Adds a pop of freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper. Add the onion, carrots, celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. What is the foundation of soup flavor? You want your vegetables to be tender and slightly translucent.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Add garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to the pot and cook for another minute. How long will it take for a How do I cook garlic? How do you stir constantly to ensure even cooking?

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes

What is the best way to prepare the vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Add the Beans and Parmesan Rind

Add the kidney beans, cannellini beans and Parmesan cheese to the pot. Is Parmesan rind worth it? Simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Pasta and Vegetables

Add the pasta, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy.

Step 6: Stir in the Spinach

Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. What are the benefits of spinach?

Step 7: Season and Serve

Remove the Parmesan cheese rind from the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. What are some good uses for olive oil?

What to Serve It With

This Minestrone Soup Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also fantastic with a few simple accompaniments. My favorite is a crusty loaf of bread, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. For a light lunch, try pairing it with a simple green salad. If you’re serving it as a starter, consider a grilled cheese sandwich on the side – a classic combination! And for a truly Italian-inspired meal, follow it with some bruschetta or a simple pasta dish. When I make this for my family, I usually serve it with garlic bread, and it disappears in minutes!

For a Casual Meal: Serve with warm crusty bread and a simple side salad.
For a Heartier Meal: Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of quiche.
For an Italian Feast: Serve as a starter before a pasta dish or pizza.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Minestrone Soup

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Minestrone Soup Recipe even better. First, don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables. Use what’s in season and what you have on hand. Second, don’t overcook the pasta. Cook it al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy. Third, the Parmesan rind is a game-changer. It adds so much flavor, so don’t skip it! If you don’t have a Parmesan rind, you can use a little bit of Parmesan cheese instead. Also, taste as you go! Seasoning is key to a delicious soup. Make sure to adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking. Oh, and one more thing: letting the soup sit for a while before serving it allows the flavors to meld together even more. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Vegetable Prep: Chop the vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
Broth Choice: Use high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor. You can also use chicken broth for a richer flavor.
Pasta Selection: Choose small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Avoid larger pasta shapes that will overwhelm the soup.
Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Salt, pepper, and herbs are key!
Parmesan Rind: Don’t skip the Parmesan rind! It adds a ton of flavor. Remove it before serving.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Minestrone Soup Recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day! To store it, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave. If the soup is too thick, add a little bit of broth or water. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I often make a big batch of this soup on the weekend and enjoy it for lunches throughout the week. It’s so convenient and healthy!

Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a little broth or water if the soup is too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth. To make it vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese rind and ensure your pasta is egg-free. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of vegan pesto for extra flavor.

Can I use different vegetables?

Definitely! The beauty of minestrone is that you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Some other great options include potatoes, carrots, cabbage, kale, or squash. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have a Parmesan rind?

If you don’t have a Parmesan rind, you can use a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese instead. Add it to the soup towards the end of cooking, and stir until melted. It won’t have quite the same depth of flavor, but it will still add a nice cheesy element.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, you can! Some good options include Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken. Just make sure to cook the meat before adding it to the soup.

How can I make this soup thicker?

To make the soup thicker, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or regular blender. Alternatively, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the soup and cook until thickened.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! My absolute favorite Minestrone Soup Recipe. I hope you love it as much as my family does. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies in! If you’re looking for other cozy and delicious soup recipes, you might also enjoy my Tomato Soup recipe or my Creamy Potato Soup. Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!