Description
Minestrone Soup with Fresh Vegetables is a hearty Italian classic made with seasonal vegetables, beans, pasta, and a flavorful tomato broth. Nutritious, comforting, and colorful, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners or healthy meal prep.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
Canned and Dry Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté base vegetables: Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
- Add zucchini and green beans: Mix in the diced zucchini and chopped green beans, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to slightly soften them.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice and the 4 cups of vegetable broth to create the soup base.
- Add beans and seasonings: Incorporate the drained kidney beans, cannellini beans, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add pasta: Stir in the small pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Add greens: Mix in the fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the greens have wilted and incorporated into the soup.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving warm.
Notes
- Use seasonal vegetables for best flavor and freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta options.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If freezing, add the pasta separately when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian