Minestrone Soup is a hearty Italian classic made with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a rich broth. It’s warm, comforting, and nourishing, making it a perfect choice for any season. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a timeless favorite for the whole family.
Why We Love This Minestrone Soup Recipe
One of the most appealing aspects of minestrone soup is its adaptability. You can personalize it to reflect the ingredients you have on hand or the flavors you love the most. Whether you’re seeking a nutritious meal for a chilly day or a light dish that allows fresh produce to shine, this recipe fits the bill. Each spoonful delivers a vibrant burst of flavor, combining the earthiness of beans and vegetables with aromatic herbs and spices. Moreover, it’s a healthy choice, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire.
Imagine sitting down to a steaming bowl of minestrone soup, surrounded by family or friends, each of you savoring the delicious medley of flavors. It’s a dish that brings people together; that’s what food is all about, after all! Now, let’s dive into the ingredients that make this soup so wonderful.
Ingredients for Minestrone Soup
To whip up a delicious bowl of minestrone soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, shells, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
How to Make Minestrone Soup Directions
Creating your minestrone soup is an enjoyable and straightforward culinary experience. Here’s how to do it, step by step:
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop your vegetables, rinse the beans, and measure your stock to ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the unsalted butter along with 2 tablespoons of the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion, diced celery, and diced carrots. Cook these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they soften—this should take about 6 to 8 minutes. The aroma will start building as the flavors meld together.
Add the Garlic: Next, stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook for about another minute, just enough to release its fragrant flavor.
Incorporate the Liquids and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken stock and then add the canned diced tomatoes along with the tomato paste. Introduce the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, cubed potatoes, salt, sugar, dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper.
Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for around 20 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Create a Creamy Base: After simmering, take a ladle and scoop out about one cup of the cooked beans and vegetable mixture. Transfer this portion into a blender and purée it until smooth. This step adds a creamy texture to the final soup, enhancing its richness.
Cook the Pasta and Zucchini: Add the small pasta and diced zucchini to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the soup back to a boil, and then reduce the heat again. Cover and let the soup cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the zucchini is tender.
Finish with Flavor: After cooking, stir in the reserved creamy purée, the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and the grated cheese. If you’d like to add some freshness, toss in chopped fresh basil. Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the minestrone soup into bowls and sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
Enjoy your homemade minestrone soup, delighting in the hearty textures and vibrant flavors you’ve created.
How to Serve Minestrone Soup
Serving minestrone soup can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are a few ideas on how you can present this dish:
Be Generous with the Toppings: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or an extra dash of cheese can add a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance to your soup. Consider serving your soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Serve your minestrone in warm bowls, paired with a soft, cozy blanket if you’re enjoying it at home on a chilly day.
Pair with a Simple Salad: A light salad of mixed greens, drizzled with a simple vinaigrette, complements the richness of the soup nicely.
Make it a Meal: If you want a full meal experience, serve it alongside a protein option like grilled chicken or a cheese platter.
These simple steps can take your minestrone soup from just a dish to a memorable meal.
Expert Tips for Minestrone Soup
Creating a delicious pot of minestrone soup is an art, and with a few expert tips, you can perfect your recipe:
Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of your minestrone largely depends on the quality of your vegetables. Fresh, seasonal produce will enhance the soup’s overall taste.
Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allowing your vegetables to soften properly before adding the rest of the ingredients makes a significant difference in depth of flavor. Sautéing is key.
Feel Free to Experiment: Personalize your minestrone soup! If there are other vegetables you particularly enjoy, throw them in, or swap out the beans based on your preference. Spinach, kale, and green beans can all be excellent additions.
Adjust the Consistency: If you like a thicker soup, don’t hesitate to blend a bit more of the soup mixture. Alternatively, if you prefer something thinner, just add more chicken stock.
Store Flavors Longer: This soup often tastes even better the next day, so consider making a larger batch and enjoying the flavors as they deepen overnight.
How to Store Minestrone Soup
Storing minestrone soup properly is essential for enjoying it over several days. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Refrigeration: If you plan to eat your leftover soup within a few days, simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: For longer preservation, minestrone soup freezes very well. Let the soup cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Be sure to leave some room for expansion. When stored this way, it can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat your soup, simply remove it from the fridge or freezer and warm it over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or stock if it’s too thick.
Variations of Minestrone Soup
One of the wonderful things about minestrone soup is its versatility. Here are some variations you might want to try:
Pasta Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Whole grain or gluten-free options can change the texture and health profile of your soup.
Vegetarian Options: Make the soup vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can also enhance the protein content further by adding lentils or chickpeas.
Seasonal Adjustments: Change the vegetables based on what’s in season. In spring, you might incorporate peas and asparagus, while fall might call for squash and mushrooms.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and other vegetables.
There are countless ways to put your personal touch on the classic minestrone soup, allowing you to create your perfect bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Minestrone Soup?
Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian soup loaded with various vegetables, beans, and pasta, all simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s known for its nutritional value and comfort, making it a beloved dish worldwide.
Can I make Minestrone Soup in advance?
Absolutely! Minestrone soup is great for meal prep. You can make it a day or two ahead, as its flavors continue to meld and develop. Just refrigerate or freeze it for later enjoyment.
What can I serve with Minestrone Soup?
Minestrone soup is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a slice of flatbread topped with cheese.
Is Minestrone Soup healthy?
Yes! Minestrone soup is packed with vegetables, beans, and wholesome ingredients, making it a nutritious meal option rich in vitamins and minerals.
Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, shells, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping vegetables and measuring stock.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat the butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots; sauté until softened, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in chicken stock, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cannellini beans, potato, salt, sugar, thyme, oregano, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend about one cup of the soup mixture until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Add pasta and zucchini, bring back to a boil, then cover and cook for about 15 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the cheese and basil (if using), taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese.
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