Description
Classic minestrone soup is a nourishing Italian comfort dish filled with fresh vegetables, protein-packed beans, and tender pasta in a savory vegetable broth. This versatile soup offers vibrant flavors, textures, and colors that make it perfect for any season or occasion, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cook.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini or kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Pasta & Herbs
- 3/4 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Base Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their aromas, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Zucchini, Green Beans, and Tomatoes: Stir in chopped zucchini, green beans, and the diced tomatoes with their juice. Cook together for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and tomatoes to break down slightly.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to tenderize vegetables and develop broth flavor.
- Add Beans and Pasta: Stir in rinsed beans and small pasta. Continue simmering until pasta is tender but firm to the bite, about 10 more minutes. Adjust soup consistency with extra broth or water if needed.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Seasoning: Turn off heat and fold in chopped basil and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring balanced flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for best taste and texture.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; add it toward the end for a firm bite.
- Sauté aromatics thoroughly to develop a rich base.
- Taste and adjust seasoning gradually.
- Minestrone improves in flavor when made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: minestrone soup, Italian soup, vegetable soup, healthy soup, bean soup, classic minestrone, easy soup recipe