Minestrone Soup Recipe with Fresh Vegetables and Hearty Beans

Why You’ll Love This Minestrone Soup

This hearty Minestrone Soup is a go-to for anyone who wants a tasty meal without much hassle. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and hearty beans that make it both nutritious and filling, turning simple ingredients into a wholesome dish. Whether you’re a busy parent racing against the clock or a student looking for an easy dinner, this recipe fits right in.

One of the best things about this Minestrone Soup is how quick it comes together, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. It delivers great health benefits with lots of vitamins from veggies like carrots and green beans, plus fiber from the beans that supports digestion. You can tweak it for different diets, making it vegan or gluten-free while keeping that rich flavor everyone craves. Fresh vegetables and hearty beans shine through, creating a soup that’s as versatile as it is delicious for home cooks of all levels.

Imagine coming home on a cold day and having a pot of this Minestrone Soup ready to warm you up. It’s not just food; it’s a simple way to bring comfort to your table. With its blend of flavors from herbs and broth, this soup often becomes a family favorite that you can make your own. If you’re exploring new flavors like I do in my kitchen, this recipe is a perfect starting point for food enthusiasts and busy folks alike.

Key Benefits and Ease

The ease of preparation makes this Minestrone Soup ideal for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal chopping and uses everyday ingredients. Health benefits include a boost of antioxidants from fresh vegetables, helping with overall wellness. For more ideas on hearty meals, you might enjoy this creamy pasta dish that pairs well with soups.

This soup’s versatility shines when you adapt it for dietary needs, such as going gluten-free. The distinctive flavor comes from a mix of aromatic herbs and fresh produce, setting it apart from basic soups. Many in my audience, from newlyweds to seniors, tell me how this recipe brings people together around the dinner table.

Essential Ingredients for Minestrone Soup

Great Minestrone Soup starts with the right ingredients, and this recipe focuses on fresh vegetables and hearty beans for a nourishing meal. Let’s break down what you need to make this classic dish, ensuring it’s simple and full of flavor. I’ll list everything clearly so you can grab your items and get cooking without any confusion.

Here’s a complete list of the ingredients required, based on a traditional approach that highlights fresh produce and beans. Each item is measured precisely to help you create the perfect pot of soup. Don’t skip anything, as they all work together to build that signature taste.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 grated garlic cloves
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 and 1/2 cups cooked white or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3/4 cup small pasta such as elbow macaroni, shells, orecchiette, or ditalini
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley, for garnish
• Optional red pepper flakes, to taste, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

These ingredients make about 4 to 6 servings, with a prep time of around 15 minutes and cook time of about 30 minutes. For special options, you can keep it vegan by using only vegetable broth and skipping the cheese, or make it gluten-free with gluten-free pasta.

How to Prepare the Perfect Minestrone Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Making Minestrone Soup is straightforward and fun, turning fresh vegetables and hearty beans into a comforting meal. Follow these steps to get the best results, and feel free to add your own twist as you go. This method keeps things simple while building rich flavors.

First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, thinly sliced celery, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper; cook for about 8 minutes until they soften and smell great.

Next, stir in the 3 grated garlic cloves, 1 can (28 ounces) of diced tomatoes, 1 and 1/2 cups of cooked white or kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup chopped green beans, 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Then, add 3/4 cup of small pasta like elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes until the pasta is tender. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed, then serve hot topped with 1/2 cup chopped parsley, optional red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese if you like.

Tips for Smooth Cooking

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes roughly 45 minutes total. For a brothier soup, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving. If you’re looking for more pasta ideas, check out this baked casserole recipe that uses similar techniques.

Remember, variations like substituting fennel for celery or adding zucchini can make it your own. As a home cook, I love how this soup adapts to what’s in season, just like in my daily kitchen adventures.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup is all about flexibility, especially when it comes to dietary needs. You can swap ingredients to make it fit your lifestyle while keeping that fresh vegetables and hearty beans vibe. Let’s look at some easy changes that keep the soup delicious.

For protein options, try substituting the beans with chickpeas or lentils if you want variety. If you’re adding more plant-based elements, toss in tofu chunks for extra heartiness. On the other hand, for non-vegetarian versions, diced chicken can replace some veggies for a different twist.

• Swap green beans for zucchini or yellow squash to change the texture.
• Use kale or spinach instead of celery for a nutrient boost.
• Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth to cut down on salt.
• Experiment with herbs like thyme to adjust the flavor.

These substitutions help maintain the essence of Minestrone Soup, making it inclusive for everyone from busy parents to diet-conscious folks. As someone who cooks for all kinds of audiences, I find these tweaks make meals more enjoyable and accessible.

Mastering Minestrone Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, take your Minestrone Soup to the next level with some pro tips. Focus on fresh vegetables and hearty beans to enhance the taste and presentation. These ideas come from my own experiments in the kitchen, where I love trying new things.

Sauté the vegetables separately first to bring out their individual flavors before mixing everything together. Using homemade broth can add a deeper taste that store-bought versions miss. For flavor boosts, try a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end to brighten things up.

• Add smoked paprika for a spicy kick that complements the hearty beans.
• Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a nice finish.
• Make ahead by preparing the base and storing it for up to two days.

Variations include adding spinach near the end or cooking pasta separately for a lighter soup. As a food enthusiast, I always encourage playing with these options to suit your mood or the season. For more inspiration on vegetable dishes, this article shares why experts love soups like this one.

More on Flavor and Storage

Different herbs can change the profile, like using rosemary instead of oregano. Presentation matters, so serve in warm bowls with bread on the side. These tips ensure your Minestrone Soup is not just good, but great for any occasion.

How to Store Minestrone Soup: Best Practices

Storing Minestrone Soup properly keeps it fresh and tasty for later. This step is key for busy folks who like to meal prep with fresh vegetables and hearty beans. Follow these guidelines to enjoy leftovers without losing quality.

Keep cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months, but hold off on adding pasta until you’re ready to eat. When reheating, warm it gently over medium heat and add a bit of broth if it thickens.

Meal prep with this soup means you have healthy options ready, perfect for working professionals or students. I often make a big batch to save time during the week.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

🥣 Minestrone Soup with Fresh Vegetables nourishes you with wholesome ingredients packed with vitamins and fiber.
🍅 This hearty and comforting soup blends fresh veggies and beans for a deliciously satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 medium yellow onion, diced

– 2 medium carrots, chopped

– 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced

– 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste

– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

– 3 grated garlic cloves

– 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes

– 1 and 1/2 cups cooked white or kidney beans, drained and rinsed

– 1 cup chopped green beans

– 4 cups vegetable broth

– 2 bay leaves

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 3/4 cup small pasta such as elbow macaroni, shells, orecchiette, or ditalini

– 1/2 cup chopped parsley for garnish

– Optional red pepper flakes, to taste, for garnish

– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

1-First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, thinly sliced celery, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper; cook for about 8 minutes until they soften and smell great.

2-Next, stir in the 3 grated garlic cloves, 1 can (28 ounces) of diced tomatoes, 1 and 1/2 cups of cooked white or kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup chopped green beans, 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

3-Then, add 3/4 cup of small pasta like elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes until the pasta is tender. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed, then serve hot topped with 1/2 cup chopped parsley, optional red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese if you like.

Notes

🍝 Cook pasta separately for a lighter, brothier soup and add just before serving.
🌿 Try substituting fennel for celery or zucchini for green beans to vary the flavors.
🥬 Add greens like spinach or kale near the end for extra nutrients and color.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Sautéing and Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 280 per serving
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Minestrone Soup, Vegetable Soup, Bean Soup, Italian Soup