Discover the ultimate comfort in a bowl with this delicious, homemade Minestrone soup! This classic Italian vegetable soup is renowned for its hearty, nourishing qualities and incredible versatility.
Enjoy this beloved soup anytime, whether you need a cozy winter dinner or a fresh summer delight. It truly embodies the essence of simple, yet profound, home cooking.
The origins of minestrone soup can be traced back to ancient Rome, where simple, vegetable-based soups were a common part of the diet, as detailed in this history of Minestrone soup.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Minestrone Soup
This Minestrone soup recipe will quickly become a family favorite, offering both convenience and incredible flavor. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a nutrient-packed meal without extensive effort.
- Quick and Easy: It comes together with minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Fresh: Every spoonful is bursting with nutrient-rich vegetables.
- Hearty & Satisfying: This soup truly fills you up, perfect as a standalone meal.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.
- Dietary Inclusive: Naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan to suit everyone’s needs.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh and wholesome ingredients to create your best ever Minestrone soup. The balance of vibrant vegetables and savory broth makes this classic recipe truly special, guaranteeing a delicious outcome every time.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups cooked white beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¾ cup small pasta, such as ditalini, elbows, shells, or orecchiette
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes, for serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese, optional, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
Customize your Minestrone soup with these easy adjustments. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand or prefer, ensuring you always enjoy a perfect bowl.
- Vegetables: Feel free to swap in seasonal favorites. Try diced zucchini, chopped kale, or fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added goodness.
- Beans: Cannellini beans or great northern beans work beautifully. Chickpeas are also a delicious alternative if you prefer a different texture.
- Pasta: Any small shape like ditalini, elbows, or small shells is perfect. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or skip it entirely for a lighter soup.
- Broth: Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian and vegan. If not strictly plant-based, chicken broth adds a richer flavor profile and depth.
- Herbs: A handful of fresh basil leaves stirred in at the end adds bright freshness. An Italian seasoning blend can also replace the oregano and thyme for convenience.
- Tomatoes: In summer, use 3-4 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced, in place of canned for an even fresher taste and vibrant color.
Equipment
You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful Minestrone soup.
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for simmering everything together.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For preparing all the fresh vegetables.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and sautéing.
- Garlic Grater (optional): Makes quick work of mincing garlic.
Instructions For The Best Minestrone Soup
Follow these simple steps to create a comforting and flavorful bowl of Minestrone soup. Making homemade soup is incredibly rewarding and easy, even for beginners!
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and thinly sliced celery. Stir in the sea salt and several grinds of fresh black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. The vegetables should begin to soften and become fragrant, forming the essential flavor base for your soup.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the grated garlic. Cook for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until aromatic. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as it can turn bitter and affect the soup’s overall taste.
- Simmer the Soup Base: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, cooked white beans (or kidney beans), and chopped green beans. Add the vegetable broth, bay leaves, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
- Stir everything together gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing all the incredible flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook the Pasta: Remove the lid and stir in the small pasta (like ditalini, elbows, or shells). Continue to cook, uncovered, for an additional 8-10 minutes. Cook until the pasta is al dente, meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Check the pasta package for specific cooking times, as they can vary by brand and shape.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference to achieve the perfect balance. Ladle the hot Minestrone soup into individual bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of vegetables and pasta.
- Garnish Generously: Finish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. For an extra kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes. If you enjoy dairy, a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese is highly recommended for an authentic Italian touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creation, a truly satisfying classic!
Pro Tips for the Best Minestrone Soup
Elevate your Minestrone soup with these expert tips, ensuring a perfect pot every time.
- Mind Your Veggies: Avoid overcooking vegetables; they should remain tender-crisp for best texture in your classic Minestrone soup.
- Pasta Prep: If making ahead or freezing, cook pasta separately and add just before serving to prevent mushiness. This stops the pasta from absorbing all the broth.
- Build Flavor: Sautéing your onion, carrots, and celery until truly softened creates a rich, deep base.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or dried herbs until the flavor truly sings.
- Broth Matters: A good quality vegetable broth significantly enhances the overall taste of your soup.
- Herb Smarts: Dried herbs are robust and cook well in the broth, while fresh herbs like parsley or basil are best stirred in at the very end for bright flavor.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Here’s how to best enjoy, store, and customize your hearty Minestrone soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this warm soup with crusty bread for dipping or a fresh green salad. Offer various garnishes like pesto, croutons, or extra Parmesan cheese for your homemade Minestrone soup.
Make Ahead & Freezing
For best results, cook pasta separately if making ahead to avoid mushiness. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze pasta-free soup for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, reheat gently, then add freshly cooked pasta.
Creative Variations
Add protein like Italian sausage or chickpeas. Experiment with seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, kale, or bell peppers. Swap pasta for farro or quinoa. For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes. A swirl of cream at the end creates a richer texture.
Nutrition
This wholesome Minestrone soup is a powerhouse of nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal. It’s naturally low in calories and packed with fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals from a bounty of fresh vegetables and beans.
This plant-based recipe supports a healthy lifestyle, offering satisfying nourishment in every spoonful. It’s a delicious way to boost your daily vegetable intake for overall wellness.
Research from institutions like Harvard Health supports that a plant-based diet can offer numerous health benefits, including lower body mass index, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Total Carbs | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10g |
| Total Sugars | 7g |
| Protein | 12g |
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pasta is best for minestrone?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbows, small shells, or orecchiette work best. They cook quickly and are easy to eat with a spoon, blending well with the vegetables.
Can I make minestrone soup without pasta?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free or low-carb option, simply omit the pasta. You can add extra vegetables or a grain like quinoa instead for a different texture.
Is minestrone soup healthy?
Yes, it is! This soup is packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and beans, making it high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals while being naturally low in fat. It’s a wonderfully balanced meal.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to create a truly delicious and comforting pot of homemade Minestrone soup. This easy recipe proves that wholesome meals don’t have to be complicated, making it perfect for busy parents and beginners alike.
It’s a versatile, nourishing dish perfect for any day of the week. Dive into a bowl of this classic Italian favorite and let its warmth embrace you. We’d love to see your creations and read your reviews.
Homemade Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 8 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, green beans, vegetable broth, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, for 20 minutes.
- Stir in pasta and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes until al dente.
- Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasonings. Stir in parsley. Serve hot with optional red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Notes
- Seasonal Flexibility: Minestrone is incredibly adaptable—swap in vegetables like zucchini, spinach, kale, or squash depending on what’s in season or available in your fridge.
- Make It Vegan: Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep the soup fully vegan.
- Pasta Timing Tip: To avoid mushy pasta in leftovers, cook and store the pasta separately, adding it only when reheating each portion.
4 thoughts on “Hearty Minestrone Soup: An Easy & Flavorful Classic Recipe”