
Hearty Minestrone Soup
Transport yourself to the heart of Italy with this classic minestrone soup, bursting with vibrant vegetables, hearty beans, and a touch of pasta. Each spoonful is a warm embrace, perfect for chilly evenings or a light lunch. This dish not only nourishes the body but also tells a story of Italian cuisine's rich history, where simple ingredients come together to create something truly comforting. Traditionally, minestrone was a peasant dish, utilizing whatever vegetables were in season, making it a versatile recipe that's easy to adapt to your pantry staples.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Onion (1, diced)
- Carrot (1, diced)
- Celery (2 stalks, diced)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Zucchini (1, diced)
- Canned diced tomatoes (1 can (14.5 oz))
- Vegetable broth (4 cups)
- Cannellini beans (1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed)
- Kidney beans (1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed)
- Ditalini pasta (1 cup)
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon)
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Stir in the diced zucchini, canned tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- While the soup simmers, cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.
- After 20 minutes, add the cooked pasta to the soup and stir gently to combine. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve the minestrone hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
Dietary Information
Servings: 6 • Dish Type: Soup • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 30 minutes • Calories: 250 • Fat: 7g • Carbs: 40g • Protein: 12g • Sodium: 800mg • Sugar: 5g