Classic Italian Minestrone Soup

Experience the soul-warming comfort of a classic Italian Minestrone Soup. This hearty, vibrant dish is brimming with seasonal vegetables, tender pasta, and creamy beans, all simmered together in a rich and flavorful tomato broth. It's the ultimate one-pot meal that brings the rustic flavors of Italy right to your kitchen.

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This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect way to utilize the best produce of the season. From the bite of the ditalini pasta to the creaminess of the cannellini beans, every spoonful offers a satisfying variety of textures and traditional Mediterranean seasonings.

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 garnish)
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling (optional garnish)

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 texture, always rinse your canned beans thoroughly before adding them to the pot. This helps keep the broth clear and prevents any metallic taste. Additionally, be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to maintain a pleasant bite within the soup.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan-friendly version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. If you are cooking for a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free pasta. You can also customize this soup by adding other vegetables such as diced potatoes, cabbage, or peas depending on what you have available.

Serviervorschläge

This hearty soup pairs perfectly with a side of warm, crusty Italian bread. For a complete dining experience, serve it alongside a glass of light red wine, such as Chianti, which beautifully complements the tomato-based broth.

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With its rich colors and wholesome ingredients, this Minestrone Soup is more than just a meal—it's a celebration of simple, healthy Italian cooking. Enjoy a bowl today and savor the flavors of a true kitchen classic.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make minestrone soup ahead of time?

Yes, minestrone tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Note that pasta will absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.

→ What type of pasta works best in minestrone?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work perfectly. They cook evenly and are easy to eat with a spoon. Avoid large pasta that might overpower the vegetables.

→ Can I freeze minestrone soup?

Yes, but for best results, freeze without the pasta. Cook pasta separately and add when serving. Frozen minestrone keeps well for up to 3 months.

→ How do I make this soup vegan?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The soup is naturally vegetarian and easily adapted for vegan diets without compromising flavor.

→ What vegetables can I substitute or add?

Minestrone is very flexible. Try adding potatoes, cabbage, peas, or seasonal squash. Use what's fresh and available while maintaining a good vegetable-to-liquid ratio.

→ How can I thicken minestrone soup?

Mash some of the beans against the pot side before serving, or simmer uncovered longer to reduce liquid. Adding more pasta or vegetables also creates a heartier consistency.