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The Ultimate Hearty & Authentic Minestrone Soup

Close-up of a steaming bowl of minestrone soup filled with ditalini pasta, white beans, zucchini, and carrots.
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Make this classic Italian vegetable soup using a versatile base recipe. It is simple to prepare and adapts well to seasonal vegetables and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup chopped seasonal vegetables (e.g., zucchini for summer, kale for winter)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or small shells) or 1/2 cup cooked rice
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Stir in the rinsed beans, chopped seasonal vegetables, oregano, basil, and pepper.
  6. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
  7. If using pasta, add it now and cook according to package directions until tender, usually 8 to 10 minutes. If using cooked rice, add it in the last 2 minutes to heat through.
  8. Taste the soup and add salt as needed.
  9. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For a thicker soup, mash about 1/4 cup of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the liquid, or stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste with the garlic.
  • To make this recipe vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
  • Use a flavorful vegetable broth for the best results, as this forms the base of your soup flavor.
  • This soup freezes well; add pasta or rice after reheating to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/minestrone-soup-ultimate-hearty-authentic-recipe/