Hearty Harvest Minestrone a Bowlful of Italian Sunshine
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a big ol' bowl of sunshine? I've got just the thing. Today, we're diving headfirst into a minestrone soup recipe that's so good, it'll make you wanna sing opera.
Seriously. This isn't just soup, it's a hug in a bowl, packed with all sorts of goodness. Ever get those cravings for something warm and comforting? Well, this is your solution!
Quick Hook
This Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe is bursting with fresh vegetables and a touch of Italian magic. What makes this Vegetable Soup Recipe so special? It tastes amazing, duh.
Its an Italian Vegetable Soup recipe that can be tailored to your tastes.
Brief Overview
Minestrone, one of the Classic Italian Dishes , comes from humble beginnings. It's a way to use up whatever veggies you have on hand.
Our version is super easy, taking about an hour from start to finish. This Hearty Soup Recipes yields around 6 servings, perfect for Family Meals .
Main Benefits
This minestrone soup recipe is packed with fiber and vitamins. Honestly, it’s a powerhouse of good stuff. This Homemade Soup Recipe is the best thing since sliced bread.
It's ideal for a cozy night in or a light lunch. What sets this apart? It’s endlessly adaptable. Use whatever veggies you've got! We also consider this the Quick Minestrone Recipe because of its short and easy steps.
Ready to chop some veggies? Let's get to the ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Ready to whip up a batch of the best Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe ? It all starts with having the right bits and bobs.
Don't worry, we're not talking fancy chef stuff. This Minestrone Soup is all about simple, accessible cooking.
Main Ingredients for Italian Sunshine
Here's what you'll need to make about 6 hearty servings of this Classic Italian Dishes . I've included both US and metric measurements because that's how we roll.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup )
- 2 carrots, diced (about 1 cup )
- 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup )
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or shells)
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 0.5 cup frozen peas
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Pesto, for serving (optional)
Quality Indicators: Honestly, for this Vegetable Soup Recipe , freshness is key. Look for firm carrots and celery. A sweet smelling onion is also ideal.
As for tomatoes, San Marzano crushed tomatoes are banging if you can get them! They bring that Italian Vegetable Soup flavour to the next level.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Boosters!
Okay, this is where we get a little creative. Don't skip the oregano and basil. These are essential for that classic Hearty Soup Recipes taste.
Red pepper flakes give a cheeky kick. Feel free to leave it out if you're feeding little ones or prefer a milder flavour.
A secret weapon of mine is a bay leaf tossed in while simmering. It adds a subtle depth. Always remember to take it out before serving! No one wants to choke on that.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!
Good news! You probably have everything you need to nail this Homemade Soup Recipes . Here's the lowdown:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Honestly, a decent knife is your best friend here. A stock pot is ideal, but any large pot will do.
If you don't have measuring cups, don't sweat it. Eyeballing works just fine for this Quick Minestrone Recipe .
See? Making the perfect minestrone soup recipe is super easy. Now, let's get cooking!
Hearty Harvest Minestrone: A Bowlful of Italian Sunshine
Fancy a taste of Italy? I've got just the thing! This easy minestrone soup recipe is like sunshine in a bowl.
Packed with fresh vegetables and comforting flavours, it’s a cracking family meal . Honestly, this recipe has become one of my absolute favourite classic Italian dishes .
Here's a little secret: my best minestrone memories are from when I was travelling in Rome, that's what I inspired for this minestrone soup ! I promise that you will love this Homemade Soup Recipe .
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro
First things first, let's get organised. Chop 1 medium yellow onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks . Mince 3 cloves of garlic .
Measure out 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil . Open that can of crushed tomatoes it's 28 ounces , by the way.
Rinse and drain 1 15-ounce can of cannellini beans . Chop 1 cup of zucchini and 1 cup of green beans .
Get out 1/2 cup frozen peas . Sorted? Let's cook!
Cooking the Minestrone Soup
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, around 5- 7 minutes . Toss in the garlic, oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave!). Cook for another 1 minute .
- Add Base: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and 6 cups of vegetable broth . Bring it to a simmer.
- Simmer Time: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes . This lets all the flavours get friendly.
- Beans & Pasta: Stir in the cannellini beans and 1 cup of small pasta . Cook until the pasta is tender, about 8- 10 minutes .
- Veggie Boost: Add the zucchini, green beans, and peas. Cook for about 5 minutes . You want them tender crisp.
- Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle it into bowls. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan. A dollop of pesto? Go on, treat yourself!
Pro Tips for a Quick Minestrone Recipe
Want to take your Italian Vegetable Soup to the next level? Don't skimp on sautéing the veg at the beginning it builds flavour! A good quality broth makes all the difference too.
This is one of those Hearty Soup Recipes you'll make again and again.
And here’s a sneaky tip: If you don't have zucchini, use yellow squash! Or if you want to ensure the pasta doesn't go soggy, cook it separately! I do this especially if making a big batch, so I can add pasta to each serving.
Recipe Notes for Your Hearty Harvest Minestrone
Right then, let's chat about this Hearty Harvest Minestrone: A Bowlful of Italian Sunshine . Honestly, it's more than just a minestrone soup recipe ; it’s like a hug in a bowl.
Here's a few extra bits and bobs to make it perfect, and how to keep it singing!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, you know? Ladle that beautiful Italian Vegetable Soup into some rustic bowls. A swirl of pesto, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a sprig of fresh parsley? Oh my gosh, chef's kiss! Serve with crusty bread for dipping the Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe is just begging for it.
This isn't just one of those Hearty Soup Recipes ; it's an experience!.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Once cooled, this Vegetable Soup Recipe will happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days .
In an airtight container, obvs. For longer storage, freezing is an option. Though the pasta might get a bit soft, the flavor stays amazing.
Just defrost thoroughly and reheat gently. Nobody wants mushy pasta! Reheat on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot at least 75° C .
Variations: Making it Your Own
Fancy a twist? Easy peasy. For a gluten-free version of this Homemade Soup Recipes , swap the ditalini for quinoa or rice.
Need a dairy-free Minestrone Soup ? Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative. Remember, it´s a peasant meal that it´s based on what you have in the garden or in your fridge!, As for seasonal swaps, in winter, add some chopped kale or butternut squash.
In summer, loads of fresh basil and ripe tomatoes are the bomb. It´s easy to do a Quick Minestrone Recipe .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Spoonful
This Classic Italian Dishes is packed with Fresh Vegetables , making it a nutritional powerhouse. Think vitamins, minerals, and fibre galore.
The Family Meals can be easy and healthy. The cannellini beans bring the protein, and the vegetables, antioxidants. It's a bowl of goodness, plain and simple.
It has approximately 350 calories per serving.
So, there you have it. Now go forth and create a minestrone masterpiece! You got this!.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is minestrone soup, anyway? Is there one "true" minestrone soup recipe?
Minestrone is essentially a hearty Italian vegetable soup. There isn't one definitive "true" recipe; it’s more of a flexible template that varies by region and season. It's traditionally made with whatever fresh vegetables are available, plus beans and pasta, making it a fantastic way to use up odds and ends in your fridge like the true 'make do and mend' spirit of the 1940's.
Think of it as Italian comfort food at its finest!
Can I adapt this minestrone soup recipe to use different vegetables? I've got a glut of [insert random vegetable here]!
Absolutely! That's the beauty of minestrone - it's super adaptable. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what's in season. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly harder veggies like potatoes should go in earlier, while leafy greens can be added towards the end.
Don't be afraid to experiment; you might just discover your new favourite minestrone twist!
How do I store leftover minestrone, and how long will it last?
Leftover minestrone is fantastic the next day (or even the day after!). Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
You can also freeze minestrone for longer storage (up to 2-3 months), but be aware that the pasta may become a bit softer upon thawing.
Help! My pasta turned to mush in the minestrone soup recipe! What did I do wrong?
Overcooked pasta is a common minestrone mishap! There are a couple of culprits here. First, you may have simmered the soup for too long after adding the pasta. A good tip is to cook the pasta separately according to package directions, and then add it to the soup just before serving, in individual bowls.
Alternatively, use a pasta shape that holds its shape well, like ditalini.
Is minestrone soup healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Minestrone is generally a very healthy and nutritious soup! It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from all the vegetables and beans. It's also relatively low in fat, especially if you use vegetable broth.
The exact nutritional content will vary depending on the ingredients you use, but it's a great way to get your five-a-day (or more!).
Can I make this minestrone soup recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Making this minestrone vegan is very straightforward. Ensure you're using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Also, skip the Parmesan cheese garnish or use a vegan Parmesan alternative. When adding pesto, check the ingredients to make sure it doesn't contain any dairy.
With these simple swaps, you'll have a delicious and plant based minestrone.
Hearty Harvest Minestrone A Bowlful Of Italian S
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 10g |