Hearty Homemade Minestrone Soup
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook to the Best Minestrone Soup Recipe
Fancy a bowl of sunshine? I mean, who doesn't love a good soup, especially when it's packed with veggies? This minestrone soup is like a garden in a bowl, bursting with fresh flavours.
It’s that good.
A Bowl of History: The Minestrone Overview
Minestrone soup hails from Italy, a humble soup born from using whatever veggies were on hand. It's the ultimate kitchen sink soup.
It’s dead easy to make, taking about 1 hour 10 minutes from start to finish, and it feeds about 6-8 hungry souls.
Perfect for a family dinner, innit?
Why You'll Love This Hearty Vegetable Soup
Honestly, this classic minestrone soup recipe is more than just tasty. It's healthy! Full of fibre and vitamins, it's a real boost.
This is a brilliant way to use up any leftover veg you've got. Plus, it's absolutely perfect for a chilly evening when you need something warm and comforting.
Time to get cooking. Here's what you'll need.
From Our Kitchen to Yours: Gather Your Arsenal for Soup Minestrone Recipes
Aromatics: We’re talking olive oil, a yellow onion, carrots, celery, garlic, dried oregano and basil, and if you're feeling brave, a pinch of red pepper flakes.
You know, the usual suspects for a flavour bomb.
Veggies and Beans: Grab a can of crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, green beans, zucchini, spinach, a bit of small pasta like ditalini, and some sweetcorn.
Fresh or frozen, whatever tickles your fancy. This would make a great Zucchini Minestrone Soup if you are in the growing season.
Finishing Touches: Salt, pepper, Parmesan if you're feeling fancy, and fresh parsley. Sorted.
Easy Peasy Equipment: Get Ready to Cook
You'll need a big pot or Dutch oven, a chopping board, a knife, and measuring bits and bobs. Nothing too scary, eh? For an even simpler option, this can also be a Vegetarian Dinner Crockpot option.
Time to Make Some Magic
Now that you have all the ingredients for The Best Minestrone Soup , let's get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Alright, so you want to make some seriously comforting minestrone soup ? Fab! First, let's make sure we have all our bits and bobs.
I mean, nobody wants to be halfway through and realize they are missing something, right? Here's what you will need for The Best Minestrone Soup .
Main Ingredients for a killer Minestrone!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Quality olive oil makes all the difference. Aim for extra virgin for the best flavour.
- Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup ). Yellow onions are my go-to, but white will work too.
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and diced (about 1 cup ). You want them nice and vibrant orange.
- Celery: 2 stalks , diced (about 1 cup ). Celery should be firm and crisp.
- Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Fresh garlic is always best, honestly.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon – this is essential.
- Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon . You can add more if you like!
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick!
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/794g) can . Look for good quality, and don't use diced crushed is better.
- Vegetable Broth: 6 cups (1.4 L) . Make sure it's good quality, it'll make a difference.
- Water: 1 ½ cups (355 ml) .
- Cannellini Beans: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , rinsed and drained. You know, if you are into The Best Minestrone Soup at least once a week, just like me, you could go with the dried version and boil it on a big batch on sundays.
- Green Beans: 1 cup , chopped (about 100g ). Fresh or frozen, both work.
- Zucchini: 1 cup , chopped (about 100g ). When selecting zucchini for your Zucchini Minestrone Soup , opt for firm ones with smooth, unblemished skin.
- Spinach: 1 cup , chopped (about 100g ). Fresh is preferable, but frozen is fine in a pinch.
- Small Pasta: ½ cup (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni) (about 50g ).
- Corn: 1 cup , frozen or fresh.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: For serving (optional).
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for serving (optional).
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce (well, Spices!)
The oregano and basil are non-negotiable for that proper Italian vegetable soup recipe vibe. Red pepper flakes add a nice warmth, but skip them if you are not into spicy stuff.
Fresh herbs like parsley at the end really brighten everything up. Honestly, don't be shy with seasoning!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid!
- A big ol' pot or Dutch oven . If you are making a Vegetarian Dinner Crockpot version, you can use your slow cooker instead.
- Cutting board and chef's knife. Obviously.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Get those numbers right!
- Ladle. For serving up that glorious Easy minestrone soup .
And that’s it! Nothing too fancy needed to whip up a Classic minestrone soup recipe . Now, let's get cooking!
Hearty & Homemade Minestrone Soup: A Kitchen Garden Classic
Fancy a bowl of sunshine? This classic minestrone soup recipe is The Best Minestrone Soup you'll ever make! I'm telling you, this recipe is a game changer.
We're talking proper comfort food, packed with veggies and flavour. It’s my go-to when I need a hug in a bowl.
Did you know that minestrone soup variations exist worldwide? Let's get started!
Prep Like a Pro for Minestrone
First things first, mise en place is key. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery all about 1 cup each.
Mince those 3 cloves of garlic too. Honestly, prepping everything beforehand makes cooking so much easier. It really does. Time saving tip? Chop extra veggies and freeze them for future soups.
step-by-step: From Pot to Plate
Ready to cook? Here’s how we're going to make The Best Minestrone Soup Recipe:
- Sauté 1 cup of chopped onion, 1 cup of diced carrots, and 1 cup of diced celery in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat for 5- 7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Add 3 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave!). Cook for another minute.
- Stir in the 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 6 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 ½ cups of water. Bring it all to a simmer.
- Add the 15 ounce can of cannellini beans, 1 cup of green beans, 1 cup of chopped zucchini and 1 cup of corn. Return to a simmer.
- Chuck in the ½ cup of small pasta. Cook till tender.
- Stir in 1 cup of spinach during the last 5 minutes. Cook until it wilts.
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve hot, with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy.
Pro Tips for Soup Minestrone Recipes
Want to take your minestrone to the next level? Season generously as you go, tasting and adjusting. Don't be shy with the salt.
Honestly, it makes a big difference! Also, if you have fresh herbs, chuck 'em in. Parsley is brilliant.
Don't overcook the pasta . Nobody likes mushy pasta! It is the most common mistake when it comes to cooking The Best Minestrone Soup .
You can prep this bad boy the day before too. It'll be even better, as the flavors meld overnight. This Hearty vegetable soup is a winner!
Recipe Notes: Making Your Minestrone Soup Sing!
Right then, you've got the recipe for the best minestrone soup . But before you dash off to the kitchen, let's have a little chinwag about some handy tips and tricks.
Honestly, it's these little things that can elevate a simple dish into something truly special. We're going to make your classic minestrone soup recipe
Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings
So, presentation matters, yeah? I love serving my hearty vegetable soup in rustic bowls. A swirl of good olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley? Oh my gosh, it looks like it came straight from a fancy Italian restaurant! For sides, think crusty bread for dipping or a simple side salad.
A nice glass of Italian red wine would also work a treat. Maybe a Pinot Grigio.
Storing Your Soup (and Reheating Like a Boss)
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Once your minestrone soup cools, pop it in an airtight container and shove it in the fridge.
It'll keep for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure it's properly cooled before freezing.
To reheat, simply simmer on the stove or microwave until piping hot, around 75° C ( 165° F ). Honestly, the best minestrone soup recipe tastes even better the next day!
Minestrone Makeovers: Variations Galore!
Fancy a bit of a twist? Here are a couple of ideas. Need a gluten-free version? Just ditch the pasta and add a bit more rice.
Boom! Vegetarian? Easy! Just make sure you're using a veggie broth, obviously. For a zucchini minestrone soup add more zucchini and less other veggies.
Or use seasonal produce if available. The world is your oyster. Soup minestrone recipes are flexible!
Nutrition: Goodness in a Bowl
This Italian vegetable soup recipe is packed with goodness. We're talking vitamins, minerals, and fibre! Plus, all those veggies count towards your five-a-day.
It's a proper healthy and easy minestrone soup dish. If you want a vegetarian dinner crockpot , this one hits the spot!
Now, off you pop and get cooking! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Have fun in the kitchen, and enjoy your delicious homemade soup recipes !
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is minestrone soup, anyway? Is it just any old veggie soup?
That's a fair question! Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian vegetable soup. What sets it apart is that it's traditionally made with whatever seasonal vegetables are available, plus beans and pasta. Think of it as a flexible, veggie packed hug in a bowl perfect for a chilly evening!
Can I freeze minestrone soup, or will the pasta go all wonky?
Good thinking! Yes, you can freeze minestrone soup, but the pasta can get a bit soft. To avoid this, either undercook the pasta slightly when you first make the soup or, even better, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings after reheating.
This will stop it from absorbing all the broth and going mushy.
I'm a vegetarian (or vegan) can I still enjoy minestrone soup?
Absolutely! Minestrone soup is naturally vegetarian, relying heavily on vegetables and plant based protein from beans. To make it vegan, just be sure to use vegetable broth (check the label, as some contain animal products) and skip the Parmesan cheese garnish.
You can even add a dollop of vegan pesto for extra flavour!
My minestrone soup tastes a bit bland. What can I do to boost the flavour?
Don't worry, we've all been there! First, make sure you've seasoned it well with salt and pepper. A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar can add brightness. Also, consider adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers, if you're not vegan, or stirring in a spoonful of pesto at the end.
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are the chef's kiss for a reason!
What are some good vegetable substitutions I can make in this minestrone soup recipe?
Minestrone is super adaptable, so feel free to use what you've got. Swapping out green beans for broccoli florets is a great option, or using kale instead of spinach will still deliver that lovely leafy green element. Get creative like you're on Ready Steady Cook and tailor it to your favourite veggies!
How long does minestrone soup last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, your minestrone soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it cool down completely before refrigerating. Like a good stew, the flavours often meld together and get even better the next day, so it's a great make-ahead meal!
Hearty Homemade Minestrone Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 8g |