Minestrone Soup

The first time I made Minestrone Soup, it was a chilly afternoon, and I craved something warm and hearty to comfort me. As I chopped the vibrant vegetables, the aroma of sautéing onions and garlic filled my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. This Italian classic is like a hug in a bowl—a blend of fresh produce, rich broth, and a few unexpected spices that dances on your palate. Over the years, I’ve made it countless times, each batch a little different, depending on what’s in season or what I had in my pantry. Whether you’re looking to warm up after a long day or impress guests at your next dinner party, Minestrone Soup never disappoints.

Everything You Need for Minestrone Soup

The ingredients for Minestrone Soup are the stars of the show. Each component brings its unique flavor and texture, creating a delightful harmony that warms the soul. Think of the rich vegetable broth as a canvas, allowing the fresh herbs and hearty beans to shine. Let’s explore what you need to create this comforting dish.

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: This oil adds a rich flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Offers sweetness and depth to the soup base.
• 2 medium carrots, chopped: Adds a nice crunch and sweetness.
• 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced: Provides a fresh, crisp flavor.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste: Enhances all the flavors.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
• 3 garlic cloves, grated: Imparts a warm, aromatic flavor that fills the kitchen.
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Brings a tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1½ cups cooked white beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed: A great source of protein and heartiness.
• 1 cup chopped green beans: Adds a tender crunch and bright color.
• 4 cups vegetable broth: The base of your soup; use quality broth for the best flavor.
• 2 bay leaves: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a warm, aromatic herbaceous note.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Complements the other herbs beautifully.
• ¾ cup small pasta (elbows, shells, or orecchiette): Gives the soup a satisfying texture.
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish and adds freshness.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a spicy kick.
• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional, for serving: Adds a rich, salty finish.

Directions for Minestrone Soup

Making Minestrone Soup is a rewarding experience. You’ll find the steps simple and straightforward, allowing you to focus on enjoying the process. Let’s dive into how to bring this wonderful dish to life.

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the onion, carrots, celery, salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Next, add the garlic, diced tomatoes, beans, green beans, broth, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Bring this delightful mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. After simmering, stir in the small pasta of your choice. Let it cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through. You want it to be al dente—cooked, but still firm to the bite.
4. Once everything is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Discard the bay leaves and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as necessary. This is where you can personalize the flavors to your liking!
5. To serve, ladle the Minestrone Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. If you’d like, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat and some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy this warm, comforting bowl full of goodness!

Making Adjustments

While Minestrone Soup is delightful as is, you may wish to customize it to fit your preferences. Here are some adjustments and tips to keep in mind.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze Minestrone Soup! Just make sure to leave out the pasta if you plan to freeze it, as it can become mushy. Reheat after thawing.
• Pairing: This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a wholesome meal.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with other legumes like lentils or chickpeas for a different twist.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes based on your tolerance for heat.

Perfect Pairings for Minestrone Soup

When it comes to serving Minestrone Soup, the possibilities are endless. Here are some perfect pairings to enhance your dining experience:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or a baguette is perfect for dipping. This classic combo is comforting and satisfying.
• Salads: Pair your soup with a light side salad, perhaps a refreshing Caesar or a mixed green salad, to balance the flavors.
• Cheese Platter: Offer a cheese platter on the side with a selection of cheeses to complement the hearty soup.
• Seasonal Veggies: Roasted or grilled seasonal vegetables make for an excellent side that resonates with the fresh ingredients in the soup.
• Perfect for Lunch: Minestrone Soup makes an ideal lunch option, especially during the colder months. Serve it with a light sandwich for a complete meal.
• Weeknight Dinner: Quick and easy, this soup is a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Add a simple dessert to round out the meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

Minestrone Soup is the epitome of comfort food, combining fresh ingredients and satisfying flavors into one delicious bowl. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining friends. I encourage you to make it tonight—it’s a dish that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly!

Minestrone Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Minestrone Soup is a hearty blend of fresh vegetables, beans, and rich broth. Packed with flavors and nutrients, this easy weeknight dinner will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight for a deliciously cozy meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Soups

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1.5 cups cooked white beans 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
• 0.75 cup small pasta, elbows, shells, or orecchiette
• 0.5 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes optional, for serving
• Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Equipment

• Staub Dutch Oven

Method

 

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the onion, carrots, celery, salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Next, add the garlic, diced tomatoes, beans, green beans, broth, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Bring this delightful mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. After simmering, stir in the small pasta of your choice. Let it cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through. You want it to be al dente—cooked, but still firm to the bite.
4. Once everything is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Discard the bay leaves and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as necessary. This is where you can personalize the flavors to your liking!
5. To serve, ladle the Minestrone Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. If you’d like, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat and some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy this warm, comforting bowl full of goodness!

Notes

Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to five days, making it a great option for meal prep.

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Meet Juliet Sterling

Creating rich, complex flavors is my obsession, though I am just as passionate about capturing them through the lens. I develop recipes that taste like they simmered all day but are actually achievable for any home cook. I cooked and styled this dish to ensure the flavors are balanced and the presentation inspires you.