Hearty and Healthy Homemade Minestrone Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup small pasta (such as macaroni or ditalini)
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil.
  4. Once boiling, add the kidney beans and pasta to the soup. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer until the pasta is cooked, about 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in the spinach and basil. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve topped with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - For cooking the soup and accommodating all the ingredients.
  • Cutting board - To chop and dice the vegetables.
  • Knife - For cutting and mincing the vegetables and garlic.
  • Spatula - To stir the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring spoons - For accurately measuring the salt, pepper, and herbs.
  • Can opener - To open the canned diced tomatoes and kidney beans.
  • Ladle - For serving the soup into bowls.
  • Grater - To grate Parmesan cheese for optional topping.

Recipe variations

  • Add cooked chicken or sausage for a meaty version.
  • Replace the kidney beans with cannellini beans or chickpeas.
  • Include other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans.
  • Use a different type of pasta, such as tortellini or fusilli.
  • Add a handful of grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese to enhance the flavor.
  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
  • Include kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
  • For a heartier soup, add diced potatoes or butternut squash.
  • Experiment with herbs like rosemary, parsley, or sage.
  • For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Recipe overview

This hearty Minestrone Soup recipe is a comforting and nutritious dish full of vegetables, beans, and pasta. It's perfect for a chilly day or when you're in need of some homemade comfort food. Minestrone is a traditional Italian soup made with seasonal vegetables, often with the addition of pasta or rice. This recipe includes healthy ingredients like spinach, carrots, celery, and kidney beans, all cooked in a savory tomato and vegetable broth. The result is a filling and balanced meal that's packed with flavor. This soup is simple to prepare and gets even better the next day, so it's perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness, and serve with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy this wholesome, satisfying soup that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other vegetables in this minestrone soup?
    Yes, you can customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Some commonly added vegetables include zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans.
  2. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
    Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs. Use 1/3 of the amount specified for fresh herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
  3. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
    Yes, you can use chicken broth if you prefer. The flavor of the soup will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
  4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
    Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the soup and hold all the ingredients.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is helpful for chopping the vegetables.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary for cutting and mincing the vegetables and garlic.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the soup while it cooks.
  • Ladle - A ladle is needed for serving the soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - Soup bowls are essential for serving the Minestrone soup.
  • Grater - A grater can be used to grate Parmesan cheese for topping the soup, if desired.

Origin stories

Minestrone soup finds its roots in Italy, where it began its journey as a simple dish made by peasants, using whatever vegetables were in season. It's a testament to their creativity with limited resources, as there's no set recipe for minestrone - its ingredients can change with the seasons and regional preferences. In fact, the name "minestrone" is derived from "minestra," which loosely translates to "that which is served," further reinforcing the fact that this soup was made with whatever was on hand. It's a beautiful reflection of a time when nothing was wasted, and simple ingredients were transformed into hearty, nourishing meals. This spirit of adaptability and resourcefulness continues to be embodied in every bowl of minestrone soup today. From the humble kitchens of Italian peasants to dining tables across the world, the journey of this versatile soup is a culinary tale worth sharing.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.