Minestrone Soup Dinner Recipe
Minestrone soup, a cherished Italian favorite, is a robust dish brimming with a delightful medley of vegetables, beans, and pasta. Whether you seek solace in a warm bowl on a chilly evening or aim to create a nourishing meal for a group, this Minestrone Soup Dinner Recipe is a perfect choice.
The beauty of minestrone lies in its versatility. You can utilize any vegetables at your disposal, making it an ideal option for utilizing leftovers and reducing food wastage. The amalgamation of fresh produce, aromatic herbs, and savory broth yields a deeply satisfying flavor profile that envelops you in warmth.
This straightforward minestrone soup recipe offers immense flexibility, enabling you to tailor it to your flavor preferences. Experiment with additions like spinach, zucchini, or sausage to enhance the taste. Pair it with crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a truly delightful dining affair. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this minestrone soup recipe is certain to secure a permanent place in your culinary repertoire.
ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup small pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery until soft, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- After the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to enhance the soup’s aroma and flavor profile.
- Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and blend the flavors together for a well-rounded taste.
- Once the base is simmering nicely, mix in the drained and rinsed kidney beans, chopped zucchini, pasta, and dried oregano. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness.
- Before serving, season the soup with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors, adjusting to your taste preferences for a perfectly balanced dish.
- To serve, ladle the hot minestrone soup into bowls and top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finishing touch.
tips & tricks
- Customize your minestrone by adding other vegetables like spinach, kale, or green beans.
- For a heartier soup, add cooked sausage or shredded chicken.
- Make it vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick and easy meals later on.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving for an extra depth of flavor.
fAQs about Minestrone Soup Dinner Recipe
Q: Can I use different pasta shapes?
A: Yes, feel free to use any small pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How long will the minestrone last in the fridge?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, minestrone soup can last in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by sautéing the vegetables first and then transferring everything to the slow cooker to simmer on low for 6-8 hours.
conclusion
Minestrone soup offers endless possibilities for customization to suit your taste preferences, whether you crave a heartier broth or a lighter rendition. Experiment with various herbs and spices to infuse your personal touch into this beloved recipe. Elevate your dining experience by serving it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad. Leftover soup can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future enjoyment.
If the soup thickens upon reheating, a splash of broth can easily restore its desired consistency. Embrace the nourishing warmth and comfort that each bowl of minestrone soup delivers, making it a delightful choice year-round. Enjoy the creative process of crafting your unique version of this timeless classic and relish the delightful flavors with every spoonful.
Minestrone Soup Dinner Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 zucchini chopped
- 1 cup small pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery until soft, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- After the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to enhance the soup’s aroma and flavor profile.
- Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and blend the flavors together for a well-rounded taste.
- Once the base is simmering nicely, mix in the drained and rinsed kidney beans, chopped zucchini, pasta, and dried oregano. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness.
- Before serving, season the soup with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors, adjusting to your taste preferences for a perfectly balanced dish.
- To serve, ladle the hot minestrone soup into bowls and top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finishing touch.
Video
Notes
For a heartier soup, add cooked sausage or shredded chicken.
Make it vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
Freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick and easy meals later on.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving for an extra depth of flavor.
