Teresa's Recipes
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.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1, diced Onion
- 1, diced Carrot
- 2 stalks, diced Celery
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1, diced Zucchini
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Canned diced tomatoes
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed Cannellini beans
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed Kidney beans
- 1 cup Ditalini pasta
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley
- for serving Grated parmesan cheese
Dietary Notes
- 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
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.
Tips
- Feel free to customize this minestrone by adding seasonal vegetables like green beans, spinach, or peas.
- For a heartier version, add diced potatoes or butternut squash.
- This soup freezes well, so consider making a double batch for easy meals later.