Recipe for Classic Minestrone Soup

Recipe for Classic Minestrone Soup

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Minestrone Soup on a chilly evening. Packed with vegetables, hearty beans, and pasta, this Italian classic is both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal prep idea or a quick weekday dinner, this step-by-step recipe for Minestrone Soup will guide you through making it effortlessly at home.

What is Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone Soup is a traditional Italian soup that celebrates seasonal vegetables, legumes, and pasta or rice. Unlike many soups with fixed ingredients, Minestrone is highly adaptable, allowing you to use whatever’s in your fridge or pantry. This flexibility makes Minestrone Soup not only easy to prepare but also incredibly sustainable and cost-effective.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make authentic Minestrone Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients. Feel free to tweak the quantities based on your preferences or dietary requirements.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 courgette, diced

• 1 potato, peeled and chopped

• 1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes

• 1 tin (400g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• 1.2 litres vegetable stock

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 100g small pasta (like macaroni or ditalini)

• A handful of fresh spinach or kale

• Fresh basil and grated Parmesan (optional for serving)

Having your ingredients prepped and ready makes the whole Minestrone Soup process flow smoothly and stress-free.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 3–5 minutes until soft and translucent. These aromatics lay the foundation for a rich and flavourful Minestrone Soup.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Toss in the carrots, celery, courgette, and potato. Stir well and let them cook for around 8–10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening. This step is key in building the hearty texture of Minestrone Soup, ensuring each spoonful is bursting with goodness.

Step 3: Pour in Tomatoes and Stock

Next, add the chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock to the pot. Stir in the dried oregano and season with salt and pepper. Bring your Minestrone Soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Beans and Pasta Time

Add the cannellini beans and pasta to the simmering Minestrone Soup. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Stir in the Greens

Once the pasta is cooked, toss in a handful of spinach or kale. Let it wilt in the hot Minestrone Soup for 2–3 minutes. The greens not only add a vibrant colour but also boost the nutritional value of the soup.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

Taste your Minestrone Soup and adjust seasoning if needed. If you’re serving it right away, ladle into bowls and top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comforting meal.

Tips for the Perfect Minestrone Soup

• Seasonal flexibility: Swap vegetables based on the time of year—think green beans in summer or squash in autumn. The beauty of Minestrone Soup lies in its adaptability.

• Make it vegan: Simply omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative. This makes your Minestrone Soup entirely plant-powered.

• Leftover friendly: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Minestrone Soup tastes even better the next day!

Final Thoughts

This step-by-step recipe brings the comforting magic of Minestrone Soup into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavour. It’s a timeless dish that can be personalised to suit any season or preference, making it a staple in every home cook’s repertoire. So next time you're wondering what to make for dinner, give this Minestrone Soup recipe a go—you won’t be disappointed.

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