Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup is a hearty, classic Italian soup brimming with seasonal vegetables, tender pasta, and creamy beans in a flavorful tomato broth. This easy-to-make, vegetarian dish offers a comforting and nutrient-dense meal that captures the essence of traditional Mediterranean cooking.

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With a preparation time of only 20 minutes, this soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet it is flavorful enough to serve to guests alongside rustic bread and a glass of wine.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3/4 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Stir in garlic, zucchini, and green beans; cook for 3–4 minutes.

Step 3

Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Step 4

Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in pasta and both types of beans. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.

Step 6

Add spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Remove bay leaf.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, use a large soup pot for even simmering. Always check labels for hidden allergens like gluten in the pasta or dairy in the Parmesan. Using a wooden spoon for stirring and a ladle for serving will make the process smooth.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. You can also make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. For extra variety, consider adding other vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage, or peas.

Serviervorschläge

This Minestrone Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread and a light red wine like Chianti for a complete and authentic Italian dining experience.

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Enjoy this classic, nourishing bowl of Minestrone Soup, a timeless recipe that brings warmth and flavor to any table.

Recipe Q&A

→ What vegetables work best in minestrone?

Classic choices include onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, and leafy greens like spinach or kale. You can also add potatoes, cabbage, or peas based on seasonality and preference.

→ Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Simply substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like rice pasta, corn pasta, or quinoa pasta. All other ingredients naturally contain no gluten.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid over time, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

→ What type of pasta is traditional?

Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work perfectly as they cook evenly and fit well on a spoon. These Italian varieties hold up beautifully in the broth.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Dried oregano, basil, and thyme provide excellent flavor. Use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs called for in recipes, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

→ How can I make this vegan?

Omit the Parmesan cheese garnish or replace it with nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative. The soup base is already entirely plant-based with vegetable broth.