Easy & Delicious Minestrone Soup Recipe

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Minestrone soup is a hearty, vegetable-packed Italian soup perfect for any time of year. This recipe is easy to follow and customizable to your favorite veggies! — Viral Candidiasis: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

What is Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone is a thick vegetable soup of Italian origin. It often contains pasta or rice, sometimes both! It's a versatile soup, meaning you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Key Ingredients for the Best Minestrone

  • Vegetables: Diced carrots, celery, onions, zucchini, and canned diced tomatoes form the base.
  • Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth adds depth of flavor.
  • Beans: Kidney beans or cannellini beans are traditional.
  • Pasta: Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work well.
  • Seasoning: Garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup ditalini pasta
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, kidney beans, basil, oregano, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
  3. Add Zucchini: Stir in zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes, or until tender.
  4. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Minestrone

  • Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or green beans.
  • Add Protein: For a heartier soup, add cooked sausage or shredded chicken.
  • Make it Vegan: Ensure you use vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese.
  • Simmer for Flavor: The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

Health Benefits of Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is packed with nutrients and fiber from all the vegetables. It's a low-calorie, healthy meal option that can help you meet your daily vegetable intake. — Bill Belichick's Girlfriend: A Sideline Story

Nutritional Highlights:

  • Rich in vitamins and minerals
  • High in fiber
  • Low in calories
  • Good source of antioxidants

Variations on the Classic Recipe

There are many ways to adapt this basic minestrone recipe to suit your preferences. — Ryder Cup: Your Guide To Watching All The Action

  • Pesto Minestrone: Swirl in a spoonful of pesto before serving for added flavor.
  • Spicy Minestrone: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Creamy Minestrone: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve minestrone soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad also makes a great accompaniment.

Enjoy this comforting and nutritious minestrone soup recipe!