Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe: A Warm, Nutritious Delight for Every Season

If you’re craving a hearty, wholesome dish that’s packed with flavors and nutrients, this Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe is the perfect choice. Full of vegetables, beans, and pasta, this classic Italian soup is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal for a cold day or simply want to eat something healthy, this recipe is versatile and easy to make.

What is Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone soup is a staple in Italian cuisine, known for its rich, flavorful broth filled with an assortment of vegetables, beans, and sometimes pasta or rice. It’s a one-pot wonder that is naturally vegetarian and can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences.

Our hearty version is made with fresh, seasonal vegetables, hearty beans, and tender pasta, creating a filling meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients for Hearty Minestrone Soup

To make the perfect hearty minestrone soup, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta (such as elbow macaroni or ditalini)
• 2 cups spinach or kale (optional for extra greens)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil
• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

How to Make Hearty Minestrone Soup

1. Prepare the Vegetables
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add the Vegetables
   Stir in the chopped carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they soften evenly.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth
   Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and both kidney and cannellini beans to the pot. Stir in the dried oregano and basil, along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Cook the Pasta
   Add the pasta to the soup and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
5. Add Greens and Final Seasoning
   If you’re using spinach or kale, add it to the soup and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Enjoy your hearty, nutritious minestrone soup!

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe

• Packed with Nutrients: The soup is full of fiber, protein, and vitamins from the variety of vegetables and beans.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up the vegetables and beans to suit what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
• Comforting and Filling: With the combination of hearty beans and pasta, this soup will keep you full and satisfied for hours.
• Easy to Make: This simple, one-pot recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it the perfect weeknight meal.

Conclusion

This Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing a batch for meal prep, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. The combination of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta is sure to warm you up and keep you satisfied.

So, gather your ingredients and try this recipe today! You’ll soon have a delicious, nutritious meal that everyone will love.