Homemade Minestrone Soup: Easy Recipe

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Minestrone soup is a hearty and healthy Italian vegetable soup that's perfect for any time of year. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and is a great way to use up leftover produce. — The Washington Post: News, Analysis & Global Insights

What is Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone is a thick vegetable soup of Italian origin. It often includes pasta or rice, beans, and a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, celery, and tomatoes. The exact ingredients vary depending on the region and what's in season. — Clay Travis Net Worth: How Rich Is He?

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Versatile: Use any vegetables you have on hand.
  • Healthy: Packed with nutrients and fiber.
  • Easy to Make: Ready in under an hour.
  • Delicious: A flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1/2 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

How to Make Minestrone Soup

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in vegetable broth and add diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Add Beans and Zucchini: Stir in kidney beans and zucchini. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
  4. Add Pasta: Add pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Season and Serve: Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for the Best Minestrone Soup

  • Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, seasonal vegetables will give the best flavor.
  • Don't Overcook the Pasta: Add the pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Adjust the Broth: Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
  • Add a Parmesan Rind: Simmering a Parmesan rind in the soup adds a rich, umami flavor. Remove the rind before serving.

Variations

  • Add Meat: Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or chicken for a heartier soup.
  • Use Different Beans: Cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, or chickpeas are all great alternatives.
  • Add Greens: Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can be added in the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
  • Top with a dollop of pesto for added flavor.
  • Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Call to Action

Ready to try this delicious and healthy minestrone soup recipe? Gather your ingredients and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness today! Don't forget to share your creations with us on social media using #MinestroneSoupRecipe. Enjoy! — Controversial Rap Lyrics Spark Outrage