Hearty Homely Minestrone the Best Darn Soup Youll Ever Make
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort?
Fancy a bowl of sunshine? Are you looking for the best minestrone soup recipe ? This isn't just soup. It's a hug in a bowl! Get ready for a hearty, veggie packed adventure.
Italian Roots, Easy Prep
This Italian Vegetable Soup Recipe comes from rustic kitchens. Think of it as a simple Homemade Soup Recipe that anyone can whip up! It takes about an hour from start to finish.
It makes about 6-8 servings.
Packed With Goodness
It is one of the Healthy Soup Recipes and is brimming with fibre. It will keep you full and happy.
It’s perfect for a chilly evening. It is also great for a light lunch. What makes it special? It's adaptable! You can throw in whatever veggies you have in the fridge.
Now that you are convinced, let's look at what we will need.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Minestrone Soup Recipe
So, you wanna make the best minestrone soup recipe ever? Sorted! First, we need the bits and bobs. This homemade soup recipe is pretty flexible.
Don't stress too much if you're missing an ingredient. Just chuck in something similar! Honestly, this is one of the easy soup recipes .
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Shopping!
Here's what you'll need. These measurements are pretty spot-on.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Good quality olive oil makes a difference here, you know? Adds a bit of richness.
- Onion: 1 large , finely chopped (about 1 cup ). Yellow or white onions are perf'.
- Carrots: 2 medium , peeled and diced (about 1 cup ). Go for firm ones.
- Celery: 2 stalks , diced (about 1 cup ). Nice and crisp, please!
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, yeah?
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . Adds that lovely Italian flavour.
- Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon . Essential, darling!
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick!
- Vegetable Broth: 6 cups ( 1.4 litres ). Low sodium is always a good idea.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can ( 794g ). Good quality tomatoes are king.
- Cannellini Beans: 1 (15 ounce) can , rinsed and drained ( 425g ). Get rid of all that juice.
- Green Beans: 1 cup , chopped (about 1 inch pieces). Fresh or frozen, you pick.
- Zucchini: 1 cup , chopped (about 1 inch pieces). Summer's best veg.
- Spinach or Kale: 1 cup , chopped. Get your greens in, love!
- Small Pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni): 1/2 cup (about 4 oz or 113g ). Use GF if you need to.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup , grated (optional). For serving.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Chopped, for garnish (optional). Smells divine.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
Oregano and basil are key. They bring that proper Italian taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes? Bangin' if you like a little heat.
Salt and pepper? Obvs. Fresh herbs if you have them? Even better! If you don't have oregano, marjoram is a great shout.
Honestly, it is so easy to substitute.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You only need a few things for this hearty vegetable soup recipe .
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven. This is a must.
- Cutting Board. Don't cut on the worktop, cheeky!
- Chef's Knife. Sharp is safer.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons. Precision is key!
- Ladle. For serving up all that minestrone soup with pasta goodness.
If you don't have a proper soup pot, use a large saucepan. The main thing is that it is big.
Want easy soups ? Just follow the italian vegetable soup recipe and you'll have a quick minestrone soup in no time.
This will be one of your new favourite healthy soup recipes .
Right, now you know what you need. Let's get cooking this vegetarian minestrone soup !
Hearty & Homely Minestrone: The Best Darn Soup You'll Ever Make!
Forget those bland, watery soups. This homemade soup recipe is packed with flavour. It's a proper hug in a bowl, inspired by Italian kitchens. Think easy soup recipes and pure comfort!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first, get your "mise en place" sorted. That's fancy chef talk for having everything prepped. Chop 1 cup onion, 1 cup carrots, and 1 cup celery.
Mince two cloves of garlic. Honestly, this step makes everything smoother. It will take about 20 minutes. This is the best minestrone soup recipe for a reason!
The Sizzle: Starting Your Soup Right
This isn't some random quick minestrone soup thrown together.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté until softened, about 5- 7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional).
- Cook for one minute, till nice and fragrant.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth and 794g crushed tomatoes . Bring to a simmer.
The Veggie Patch: Building Flavour
Now for the good stuff! Add 425g drained cannellini beans, 1 cup chopped green beans, and 1 cup zucchini. Simmer this italian vegetable soup recipe for 15 minutes.
This allows the flavours to meld. It gets the green beans are tender.
Pasta Perfection & Finishing Touches
Add 113g small pasta. Cook until al dente , roughly 8- 10 minutes . Stir in 1 cup spinach during the final few minutes.
It will wilt. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot and garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Pro Tips for Minestrone Mastery
- Don't overcook the pasta! Soggy pasta ruins everything.
- Fresh herbs make a HUGE difference. Trust me!
- make-ahead Magic: This healthy soup recipe tastes even better the next day. The flavours get a chance to mingle.
Honestly, there's nothing quite like a big bowl of this hearty vegetable soup recipe on a cold day. So, grab your apron, get chopping, and enjoy! This vegetarian minestrone soup is one for the books!
Recipe Notes for the Best Darn Soup
Alright, so you're about to make the best minestrone soup recipe ever, right? Here are a few extra bits and bobs to make it truly your own, innit? Think of these as the "chef's kiss" to your culinary masterpiece.
Fab Serving Suggestions
Want to really wow everyone? A rustic bowl is your friend. Load up that Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe and drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil.
A sprinkle of that Parmesan (if you're using it) and some fresh basil? Oh my gosh, it looks like something out of a fancy restaurant! Some crusty bread on the side? Essential! Ciabatta is lovely for dipping.
Pair this Italian Vegetable Soup Recipe with a nice glass of crisp white wine or even just some fizzy water with lemon.
Spot-On Storage Tips
If you have any leftover Minestrone Soup , (though honestly, who does?), then don't fret. Let it cool completely first, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll be good for about 3-4 days. Want to freeze it? Absolutely! It’s even one of the Easy Soup Recipes to freeze.
Just portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, a gentle simmer on the hob is the way to go.
Add a splash of water if it's gotten too thick.
Awesome Adaptations and Variations
Want to make it veggie or vegan? Dead easy! Just skip the Parmesan. Sorted! Need a gluten-free Option ? Use gluten-free pasta.
This Easy Soup Recipe is so versatile, you can swap in pretty much any veg you have lurking in the fridge.
Seasonal swaps are great. In the autumn, try adding some butternut squash. Honestly, this Homemade Soup Recipe is one you can tweak until the cows come home.
Nutrition Breakdown
So, you're eating Healthy Soup Recipes , right? This Vegetarian Minestrone Soup is packed with vitamins and fiber from all those lovely veggies.
Plus, the beans add a boost of protein. It's actually one of the Easy Soups that is really good for you.
A bowl of minestrone can give you a good dose of vitamins A and C, plus iron and potassium. One serving contains between 250-300 calories .
This Quick Minestrone Soup is truly a recipe that keeps on giving. I hope you enjoy making and eating it. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this the best minestrone soup recipe compared to others?
This recipe focuses on building layers of flavour from the very beginning, like a chef auditioning for "MasterChef." We sauté the aromatics properly to release their goodness, use quality canned tomatoes for richness, and emphasize fresh vegetables.
The key is in the details - don't rush the steps, and you'll have a minestrone far superior to anything from a tin!
Can I adapt the "best minestrone soup recipe" to be vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian friendly, but to make it vegan, simply ensure your vegetable broth is plant based. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese garnish. Many folks also like to add a drizzle of good quality olive oil to the finished soup, which adds a lovely richness if you are not using parmesan.
How long does minestrone soup last, and what's the best way to store leftovers?
Minestrone soup is fantastic as leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so the soup may thicken over time.
A splash of extra broth when reheating will restore it to its original glory - think of it like reviving a "soggy bottom" after a day in the fridge!
What kind of pasta is best for minestrone, and can I use something else if I don't have ditalini or elbow macaroni?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni are traditional, but the beauty of minestrone is its flexibility! Any small pasta will work, such as orzo, shells, or even broken spaghetti.
If you're avoiding gluten, consider using gluten-free pasta or skipping the pasta altogether and adding more vegetables for a chunkier, heartier soup.
I'm watching my sodium intake. What can I do to reduce the sodium in this minestrone recipe?
Sodium levels can vary greatly depending on the broth and canned tomatoes you use, so read your labels carefully! Opt for low-sodium or no-salt added broth and canned tomatoes. You can also rinse the canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
Seasoning with fresh herbs, like basil and oregano, will boost the flavour without needing extra salt a trick straight from Grandma's kitchen!
Hearty Homely Minestrone The Best Darn Soup Youl
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250-300 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8-10g |
| Fiber | 8-10g |