Hearty Italian Minestrone (Printable Version)

Comforting Italian soup brimming with pasta, beans, and seasonal vegetables in aromatic herb broth.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 celery stalks, diced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
08 - 1 cup baby spinach or chopped kale

→ Base & Liquids

09 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
10 - 6 cups vegetable broth
11 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Pasta & Beans

12 - 3/4 cup small pasta such as ditalini or elbow
13 - 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Herbs & Seasonings

14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
16 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
17 - 1 bay leaf
18 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced zucchini, and green beans. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
04 - Add pasta and drained beans. Cook for 10 minutes or until pasta reaches al dente texture.
05 - Stir in spinach or kale and chopped parsley. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until greens are wilted.
06 - Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, garnish with additional parsley, and serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Simple and easy to prepare in just 50 minutes.
  • A nutrient-dense vegetarian meal packed with plant-based protein and fiber.
  • Highly versatile, allowing for seasonal vegetable swaps.
  • Perfect for meal prep and even better as leftovers.
02 -
  • Rinse your beans thoroughly to control the sodium levels and ensure a clear broth.
  • Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens like wheat in the pasta or soy in the broth.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a few minutes longer after adding the pasta.
  • Wait to season with salt and pepper until the end to ensure the flavors are perfectly balanced.
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