Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that warms the soul with every spoonful. Packed with colorful vegetables, delightful beans, and tender pasta, this soup is a true celebration of seasonal ingredients and wholesome flavors. In just one pot, you can create a meal that not only fills you up but also nourishes your body, making it a favorite for families and chefs alike.
Why We Love This Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe
This Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup recipe is loved for its versatility and heartiness. It’s a dish that embraces the bounty of vegetables, allowing you to adapt it based on what’s in your pantry or what’s in season. The combination of beans and pasta ensures that it is filling, making it a fantastic entrée or a satisfying side. Moreover, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Each bowl serves as a reminder of home-cooked care, offering not just nourishment but also a sense of comfort and warmth.
Ingredients about Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups water (or more broth)
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 5 oz fresh spinach (or kale), roughly chopped
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 large bay leaf
- 1 piece Parmesan rind (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup Directions
Creating your Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup is straightforward and rewarding. Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped yellow onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Next, introduce the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir and cook these vegetables for about 5 more minutes, allowing them to soften and blend their flavors.
Now comes the garlic—add it to the pot, stirring for about a minute until aromatic. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the vegetable broth and water. This will form the base of your soup. Stir in the rinsed cannellini and kidney beans, and bring your mixture to a gentle boil. As the pot heats up, add the diced zucchini, green beans, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, and Parmesan rind if you’re using it. This is where the magic happens as the ingredients meld together, creating a flavorful broth.
Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and let everything cook for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to deepen. After this time, add in your small pasta of choice, stirring gently to incorporate it into the soup. Allow it to cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Before serving, make sure to taste your soup, adjusting the salt and black pepper as needed. Finally, stir in the chopped spinach or kale, letting it wilt into the hot broth for a couple of minutes. Your Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup
Serving your Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup is as delightful as making it. Start by ladling generous portions into warm bowls for an inviting experience. For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top of each serving. Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese brings out an additional depth of flavor, completing the dish beautifully.
To enhance your meal, consider offering crusty bread or a light salad on the side. This makes for a wonderful lunch or a cozy dinner. Whether you’re sharing with family or hosting friends, this soup can easily become the centerpiece of your table, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy a hearty meal together.
Expert Tips: Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season. Corn, peas, or even squash can be wonderful additions.
- Use Good Quality Broth: Since the broth is a significant component, choose a high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor.
- Parmesan Rind: When adding the Parmesan rind, remember to remove it before serving. It adds a beautiful depth of flavor but tends to be tough.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately to avoid it becoming mushy when reheated.
- Add Depth with Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish even further. Try adding a bit of fresh basil or thyme just before serving for a burst of freshness.
How to Store Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup
Storing your Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup is quite simple. Allow the soup to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before transferring it to airtight containers. Store your leftover soup in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for 3 to 4 days. If you’d like to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
Variation of Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup
There are countless variations to explore with your Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add Protein: For a heartier version, consider adding cooked chicken or turkey. Just incorporate it towards the end of cooking to heat through.
- Pasta Alternatives: If you’re gluten-free, swap out traditional pasta for gluten-free options like quinoa or rice, ensuring the soup remains satisfying.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, throw in some red pepper flakes while sautéing your aromatics or finish with a spicy olive oil drizzle.
- Vegetable Boost: Including more leafy greens can enhance the soup’s nutritional value. Kale, Swiss chard, or even bok choy can be perfect substitutes or additions.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a little cream or a dollop of yogurt right before serving for a richer texture.
FAQ
What is the best way to enhance the flavors in the Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup?
Using high-quality broth, letting the soup simmer properly, and adding fresh herbs at the end can all help amplify the flavors greatly.
Can I make Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup in advance?
Yes, this soup is perfect for making in advance! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
What should I serve with Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup?
To complement your soup, consider serving it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a simple cheese platter.
How long does Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup last?
In the refrigerator, your Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup should last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I use different types of beans in my Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorites or even mix different types of beans to add variety and texture to your soup.
Hearty Classic Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil For sautéing
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 5 oz fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped For added nutrition
- 1 large bay leaf
Liquids and Stocks
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth Use high-quality broth for best flavor
- 2 cups water Or more broth
- 1 piece Parmesan rind (optional) Adds depth of flavor
Beans and Pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells) Use gluten-free pasta if needed
Herbs and Seasoning
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce the diced carrots and celery to the pot; stir and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Add the garlic and stir for about a minute until aromatic.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water, then stir to combine.
- Stir in the rinsed cannellini and kidney beans, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the diced zucchini, green beans, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, and Parmesan rind if using.
Cooking
- Reduce heat to a simmer and let everything cook for 20-30 minutes.
- Add the small pasta, stirring gently to incorporate, and allow to cook for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
Serving
- Taste the soup and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
- Stir in the chopped spinach or kale, letting it wilt for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Ladle generous portions into warm bowls, sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
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