Hearty Minestrone Soup

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

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
  3. 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.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  5. While the soup simmers, cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.
  6. After 20 minutes, add the cooked pasta to the soup and stir gently to combine. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  7. 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