The Vegetable Minestrone soup is an Italian classic celebrated for its hearty blend of nutritious vegetables and savory flavors. This comforting dish, boasting a vibrant medley of diced carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans, comes together in a rich tomato-based broth that promises warmth with every spoonful.
This recipe, designed to serve six, marries simplicity with depth, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike. The preparation, taking only 15 minutes, involves a sauté of onions and garlic before incorporating the colorful array of diced vegetables. The addition of diced tomatoes and vegetable broth infuses the pot with a tantalizing aroma that builds anticipation for the simmering process, a gentle orchestration that allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
What elevates this minestrone is its versatility; one can personalize it by incorporating spinach, cabbage, or bell peppers. The inclusion of kidney beans, cannellini beans, and small pasta grants a satisfying texture and heartiness to the soup. Seasoned with aromatic dried basil and oregano, this dish invites the taste buds on a journey through the Italian countryside.
Garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, each spoonful becomes an experience to savor. Moreover, its flavors deepen overnight, making it a delightful choice for meal prepping or as a warming leftover. This Vegetable Minestrone embodies simplicity, comfort, and the wholesome essence of Italian cuisine, offering both nourishment and a flavorful escape.
Why You Should Eat Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup:
- Nutrient-Rich: Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup is packed with a variety of vegetables, providing a rich array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for overall health.
- Fiber Boost: The combination of vegetables and beans in this soup contributes to a high fiber content, promoting a healthy digestive system and aiding in weight management.
- Heart Health: Ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, and beans have been associated with heart-healthy benefits, including lower cholesterol levels and improved cardiovascular function.
- Immune Support: The vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and herbs in the soup can support a strong immune system, helping your body fend off illnesses.
- Hydration: The broth in the soup helps keep you hydrated, an essential component of overall well-being.
- Satisfying and Filling: With a combination of vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup is not only nutritious but also satisfying, making it a great choice for a filling and wholesome meal.
- Versatility: Minestrone soup is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on the vegetables and herbs you have on hand, making it a versatile and practical dish.
By incorporating Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup into your diet, you not only enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal but also nourish your body with a variety of essential nutrients that contribute to overall health and well-being.
Hearty Vegetable Minestrone soup
Course: MainCuisine: Italian6
servings15
minutes30
minutes200
kcalIngredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 yellow squash, diced
1 cup green beans, chopped1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, and green beans. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. - Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the kidney beans, cannellini beans, and pasta to the pot. Stir in the dried basil and oregano. Simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente. - Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Serve the Vegetable Minestrone hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables like spinach, cabbage, or bell peppers.
Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if you prefer a thinner soup or letting it simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, so it’s great for leftovers!