Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup is a delightful blend of vegetables, beans, and pasta, creating a comforting dish that warms the soul. This traditional Italian soup is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to incorporate seasonal ingredients and make use of what you have on hand. Rich in flavor and nutrition, it’s perfect for a chilly day or when you want something wholesome and filling. You’ll love how this recipe brings together fresh, vibrant ingredients to create a satisfying meal that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Why We Love This Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe
There are many reasons you’ll fall in love with Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup. First, it’s packed with nutrition. The variety of vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and spinach provides essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the inclusion of cannellini and kidney beans makes it a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied. The recipe is highly adaptable; whether you have leftover vegetables or want to add a twist with spices or herbs, you can easily modify it to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal—easy to make and simple to clean up afterward. And let’s not forget the wonderful aroma that wafts through your kitchen as it simmers, making you look forward to every spoonful.
Ingredients about Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup
To create the perfect Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups water (or more broth)
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 5 oz fresh spinach (or kale), roughly chopped
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 large bay leaf
- 1 piece Parmesan rind (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup Directions
Making Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup is straightforward and enjoyable. Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warmed, introduce your chopped onion. Sauté it for about five minutes or until it becomes translucent. This step forms the flavor foundation for your soup. After that, add the diced carrots and celery. Allow these vegetables to cook for an additional five minutes; they should soften slightly, enhancing the texture of the soup.
Next, it’s time to add the minced garlic. Stir it in for about a minute until it’s fragrant—this will infuse your soup with a lovely aroma. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the vegetable broth and water. Stir everything together, ensuring that the ingredients are well combined.
After mixing, add the rinsed and drained cannellini and kidney beans. Bring your soup to a gentle boil; you want to see a few bubbles breaking on the surface, which means it’s heating through. Once boiling, introduce your diced zucchini, green beans, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. If you’re using a Parmesan rind, toss that in as well for added depth of flavor.
Lower the heat so that the soup simmers gently. This simmering phase should last about 20 to 30 minutes, during which the vegetables will become tender and the flavors meld beautifully. After simmering, it’s time to add the small pasta of your choice. Cook it for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture. You don’t want to overcook it, as it will continue to soften in the soup.
Once cooked, check the soup for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste, ensuring everything is perfectly balanced. Before serving, stir in the chopped spinach or kale until it wilts down; this will add a nice green color and nutritional boost.
Your hearty classic minestrone soup is now ready to be served! Dish it out into warm bowls and enjoy every spoonful.
How to Serve Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup
Serving Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup is simple yet delightful. Ladle the soup into warm bowls to keep it hot longer. Feel free to offer a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. If you enjoy a cheesy finish, grated Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful flavor that complements the vegetables and beans.
Consider pairing your soup with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A simple side salad can also enhance the meal, providing a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup brings everyone together, and it disappears almost as fast as you can make it!
Expert Tips: Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup
To elevate your Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. First, feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what is in season. Seasonal vegetables can add unique flavors and textures to your soup, making it even better.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it before adding the pasta. This will give the dish a creamier texture without adding any dairy. Remember that adding a piece of Parmesan rind during the simmering phase can profoundly impact the flavor—don’t skip it if you have it available.
For those who love spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. This will enhance the flavor profile and add a little kick. Also, if you like a little more depth, experiment with herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
Lastly, always taste before serving. Adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper ensures the soup is flavorful and satisfying.
How to Store Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup
Storing Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup is simple. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. Make sure to portion it into sizes that suit your needs so you can easily reheat what you want later. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you’d like to store it for a more extended period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It is best used within three months of freezing for optimal taste and texture. To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then heat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Variation of Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup
While the classic version of Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup is delicious on its own, variations can make it your own. For a meatier option, consider adding diced chicken or turkey. Simply sauté the meat with the onion at the beginning until it’s browned and cooked through, then follow the rest of the recipe.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, skip the pasta or substitute it with gluten-free pasta. Remember that gluten-free pasta may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
You can also create a version with a different flavor profile by using different beans, such as black beans or chickpeas. Add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a smoky twist. Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or thyme right before serving for a fresh touch.
FAQ
What makes Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup so special? Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup is special because it combines a variety of nutritious vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it a balanced meal that is both hearty and satisfying. The flexibility to customize ingredients means it can adapt to many tastes and dietary preferences.
Can I make Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup in advance? Yes! Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it properly in the refrigerator or freezer and reheat as needed.
How long can I store Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup? You can store Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool before storing it in airtight containers.
Can I use other vegetables in my Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup? Absolutely! Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup is very versatile. You can add or substitute any seasonal vegetables you prefer, such as bell peppers, peas, or kale, to suit your taste.
How can I make Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup vegan? This recipe is already vegan-friendly! By using vegetable broth and omitting cheese, you get a hearty and satisfying soup that aligns with a vegan diet. You can enhance flavors by using a Parmesan rind for an authentic taste, but this is not required.
Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped Base flavor.
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced Adds sweetness.
- 2 stalks celery, diced For aroma and flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes Base of the soup.
- 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth Liquid base.
- 2 cups water Can substitute with more broth.
Beans and Vegetables
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained Adds protein.
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained Adds protein.
- 1 medium zucchini, diced Adds texture.
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces Adds crunch.
- 5 oz fresh spinach (or kale), roughly chopped For color and nutrition.
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tsp dried oregano For flavor.
- 1 tsp dried basil For flavor.
- 1 large bay leaf Adds depth.
- 1 piece Parmesan rind (optional) For depth of flavor.
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells) Makes it hearty.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste For seasoning.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Optional garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add the diced carrots and celery; cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cooking
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water. Stir to combine.
- Add the cannellini and kidney beans. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add the zucchini, green beans, oregano, basil, bay leaf, and Parmesan rind if using.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add the pasta and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until al dente.
- Check for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.
- Stir in the spinach or kale until wilted.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into warm bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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