Mama Mias Minestrone

Recipe Introduction: The Heart of Mama Mia's Minestrone

Fancy a bowl of sunshine? I am absolutely buzzing to share my traditional minestrone soup recipe with you all. This isn't just any soup. It's a hug in a bowl.

This isn't some fancy pants, cheffy thing. It’s proper comfort soup , made for sharing with your loved ones. It tastes like home.

This recipe is inspired by traditional recipes like this, with my own spin!

A Whiff of Italy: Why Minestrone?

Minestrone is a classic Italian vegetable soup recipe . It is a celebration of seasonal goodness. Its origins are humble. It started as a way for Italian families to use up leftover vegetables.

This recipe for soups homemade is a great way to save food and money. It’s a pretty easy dish to make.

It only takes about an hour and a half from start to finish. This hearty vegetable soup makes enough to feed six to eight people.

This Best Minestrone Soup is Good for You

This vegetarian minestrone soup recipe is packed with nutrients. All those veggies mean loads of vitamins and fiber. Perfect for boosting your immune system or just feeling virtuous.

It's ideal for a family dinner or a comforting lunch on a rainy day. What makes this recipe special is the Parmesan rind.

It adds a depth of flavor that's just divine.

Time for the ingredients. Don't be put off by the list. Most of these things are store cupboard staples.

The Cast of Veggie Characters: Assembling Your Minestrone Ingredients

Grab your olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Get the garlic, dried oregano, and basil too. Oh, and don’t forget the red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave.

Then we're gonna get this classic Italian minestrone cooking!

Ingredients & Equipment: Cracking On!

Right then, let's talk about what you need for this belter of a traditional minestrone soup recipe . It's not rocket science, more like a good old Sunday roast comforting and satisfying.

Don’t be scared; it’s one of those easy comfort soup recipes that even your nan could make. Plus, you can adapt the vegetables.

Let's dive in!

Main Ingredients: The A-Team

Here’s the shopping list.

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Good quality stuff makes a difference. Go for extra virgin.

• Onion: 1 large , finely chopped (about 1 ½ cups ). The workhorse of any good italian vegetable soup recipe .

• Carrots: 2 , peeled and diced (about 1 cup ). Look for firm, bright orange carrots.

• Celery: 2 stalks , diced (about 1 cup ). Celery adds that lovely background note.

• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best.

• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon . Adds that classic Italian flavour.

• Dried basil: 1 teaspoon . More Italian goodness!

• Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick.

• Vegetable broth: 8 cups ( 1.9 liters ). Low-sodium is ideal.

• Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can ( 411g ), undrained.

• Cannellini beans: 1 (15 ounce) can ( 425g ), rinsed and drained. These make the hearty vegetable soup extra filling.

• Parmesan cheese rind: 1 (about 2-3 inches ). Adds depth of flavor.

• Small pasta: 1 cup ( 90g ) (e.g., ditalini, elbow macaroni).

• Zucchini: 1 , diced (about 1 cup ).

• Green beans: 1 cup ( 90g ), trimmed and cut.

• Spinach: 1 cup ( 30g ), roughly chopped. Turns this soup into a Minestrone Soup With Spinach .

• Salt and pepper: To taste.

• Fresh parsley: For garnish.

• Grated Parmesan cheese: For serving.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Oregano and basil are your base. A little red pepper for warmth is spot on. Honestly, the Parmesan rind is the secret weapon in the best minestrone soup .

Don't skip it. No rind? A dash of Worcestershire sauce helps get that umami kick. Also add salt and pepper.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

All you truly need is a big pot. A Dutch oven is brilliant, but any large pot will do. Chopping board and a decent knife are essential.

Measuring cups and spoons, obvs. No fancy gadgets required for this classic Italian minestrone .

Making this homemade minestrone is proper rewarding. Seriously, give it a go. I love making a big batch of recipe for soups homemade like this.

My friend swear this is the Minestrone Soup Recipe Authentic one they have tried. It’s great for meal prep and you can freeze the leftovers.

You’ll feel like you’re in Italy!

Mama Mia's Minestrone: A Traditional Italian Heart Warmer

Alright, let's get cracking on this Minestrone masterpiece! Think "Eastenders" meets "Eat, Pray, Love" comforting, hearty, and with a bit of Italian sunshine.

There is nothing better than a Recipe For Soups Homemade . I am going to share my secret for preparing this recipe at home.

This isn't your average tin of Heinz; this is a proper, from scratch Minestrone. It's just like Nonna used to make! It's packed with seasonal vegetables, pasta, and a hint of Parmesan rind for depth.

This soup celebrates simple, fresh ingredients. It's the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening. Or, a lunch that will actually keep you full 'til tea time.

Honestly, this traditional minestrone soup recipe is a game changer!

The Art of the Prep: Mise en Place Like a Pro

Getting everything ready before you start is key. It's like prepping for a painting; having all your colours lined up makes all the difference.

Peel and dice 2 carrots , chop 2 celery stalks , and finely chop 1 large onion . Mince 2 cloves of garlic .

Rinsing and draining the cannellini beans is crucial, to get 425g . Having everything prepped is the best way to prepare the Best minestrone soup .

Time Saving Tip: Chop all your veg at once. Store them in separate containers in the fridge if you're prepping ahead. Honestly, saves so much time!

The step-by-step: Minestrone Magic

Follow these steps to create a delicious Italian vegetable soup recipe .

1. Sauté the Base: Heat 30ml olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery.

   Sauté for 5- 7 minutes , until softened. This is where the magic starts!

2. Add Flavour Bombs: Stir in the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.

   Cook for 1 minute , until fragrant. Oh my gosh, the smell is amazing!

3. Liquid Gold: Pour in 1.9 liters vegetable broth and add 411g diced tomatoes. Then, add the 425g cannellini beans and a Parmesan rind.

4. Simmer Down: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes . This allows the flavors to meld together.

5. Pasta Time: Stir in 90g small pasta. Cook according to package directions, until al dente .

6. Veggie Power: Add the diced zucchini and 90g green beans. Cook until they are tender crisp, about 5- 7 minutes .

7. Spinach Finale: Stir in 30g spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute .

8. Season and Serve: Remove the Parmesan rind. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for Minestrone Masters

Don't skip the Parmesan rind! Seriously, it adds this amazing savory depth. Secondly, day-old minestrone soup with spinach is even better.

The flavors just deepen and get richer. And finally, don't be afraid to experiment with seasonal veggies. Using what's fresh and in season will always make your soup taste better.

Recipe Notes: Cracking the Code to Minestrone Magic

Alright, you've got the recipe for a proper traditional minestrone soup recipe . Now, let's chat about making it truly yours .

Cooking is all about experimentation, innit? Here are a few notes, tips, and tricks to take your hearty vegetable soup to the next level.

Honestly, these little tweaks can make a massive difference.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Soup Game

Presentation matters, even with easy comfort soup recipes . Ladle your minestrone soup with spinach into rustic bowls. A swirl of extra virgin olive oil on top? Chef's kiss! Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping.

That's a must, you know? It’s banging dipped in the broth. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a nice contrast.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This classic Italian minestrone tastes even better the next day. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .

If you want to freeze it, that's totally doable! Just let it cool completely first. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the hob.

Just add a splash of water if it seems a bit thick.

Variations: Spice It Up, or Tone It Down

Fancy a bit of a twist? To make a vegetarian minestrone soup recipe , double check your broth is veggie friendly. Easy peasy.

Want to amp up the flavour? Add a pinch of chilli flakes for a bit of heat. Or, for a summery vibe, swap out the spinach for basil.

The possibilities are endless with this Recipe For Soups Homemade . Honestly, have a bash.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This Italian vegetable soup recipe is not only delicious but also packed with goodness. It's a great source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

Think of it as a hug in a bowl that's good for you too. Each serving is about 250 calories, with a decent amount of protein and fibre.

I reckon that is amazing.

So there you have it. All the secrets to a sensational Best minestrone soup . Don’t be scared to get creative and make it your own.

Cooking should be fun, not a chore. Go on, give it a go!