Minestrone soup is the ultimate comfort food—a nourishing, vegetable-packed soup that’s as vibrant as it is delicious. Originating from Italy, this classic soup is filled with a variety of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome lunch or a cozy dinner, this minestrone soup recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s nutritious, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (or 2-3 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or cannellini beans)
• 1/2 cup small pasta (such as elbow macaroni, ditalini, or orzo)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 4 cups water (or more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup spinach or kale, chopped (optional, for extra greens)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent. This step creates a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Add the Remaining Vegetables Stir in the diced zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes to allow the vegetables to begin softening and releasing their flavors.

Step 3: Add Broth, Beans, and Seasonings Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Add the kidney beans (or cannellini beans), dried basil, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Add the small pasta to the soup and continue simmering for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the soup becomes too thick, add more water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 5: Add Greens and Final Seasoning Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach or kale (if using) and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish Ladle the minestrone soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Minestrone Soup:

1. Customize Your Veggies: Minestrone is a very flexible soup. Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, squash, or bell peppers. You can even add peas, corn, or mushrooms depending on what’s in season.
2. Beans for Protein: Beans not only add heartiness to the soup but also provide protein and fiber. If you don’t have kidney beans, you can use cannellini beans, garbanzo beans, or any other variety you prefer.
3. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley are great additions to the soup just before serving. They add a burst of fresh flavor that enhances the dish.
4. Pasta Choices: The type of pasta you use can vary—short pasta works best, but you can also use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add more liquid when reheating leftovers.
5. Make It Vegan: To keep the soup vegan, just skip the Parmesan garnish or substitute with a plant-based cheese. The soup is naturally dairy-free when made without cheese.

Why Minestrone Soup is a Timeless Favorite:

Minestrone soup is the epitome of Italian comfort food—rich, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s the kind of soup that can be made year-round, thanks to the flexibility of the ingredients. Whether you’re using fresh summer vegetables or hearty root vegetables in the winter, minestrone adapts to any season.

This soup is not only packed with vegetables but also provides a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and carbs from the beans and pasta. It’s a complete meal that’s healthy, filling, and perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week. Best of all, it’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Whether served as a main dish or a starter, minestrone soup is sure to warm your soul and become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So grab your favorite vegetables, simmer them into a delicious broth, and enjoy this comforting classic!