Unlock the Secret to a Perfectly Hearty and Flavorful Minestrone Soup!

If you’re craving a warm, hearty bowl of soup that’s brimming with flavor, texture, and wholesome ingredients, homemade Minestrone Soup is the answer. This Italian classic is packed with nutritious veggies, savory broth, and a touch of cheese that brings it all together. Whether it’s a chilly day or you just need something comforting, this soup will warm you up and leave you craving more. Best of all, it’s easy to make, and the results are delicious every single time. So, let’s dive into the recipe and make this homemade minestrone soup that’s as healthy as it is tasty!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• A hearty, comforting soup that’s full of vegetables and packed with flavor.
• Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients that combine beautifully.
• Versatile enough to serve on a chilly day or as a light, filling meal.
• Can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day.
  A great way to get a variety of nutrients in one delicious bowl!

Ingredients Overview:

Here’s why you need each ingredient:

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to bring out their flavors.
  
• Onion: A must for any soup base, adding a sweet and savory depth.
  
• Celery: Adds a fresh crunch and balances the other vegetables.
  
• Carrots: A natural sweetness and color booster to brighten up the soup.
  
• Pureed Tomatoes: Brings a tangy base and rich flavor to the broth.
  
• Vegetable Broth: The foundation for the soup, providing the perfect savory base.
  
• Beef Broth: A bit of richness and umami to enhance the depth of the soup.
  
• Green Beans: Fresh, crunchy veggies that add texture and color.
  
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that allow the flavors to shine.
  
• Potatoes: Adds heartiness and makes the soup feel more filling.
  
• Zucchini: A soft, mild vegetable that helps absorb the soup’s flavors.
  
• Squash: Adds a slight sweetness and a silky texture to the broth.
  
• Chickpeas: Adds protein and fiber to make this soup even more satisfying.
  
• Red Kidney Beans: Another protein-packed bean that adds color and richness.
  
• Pecorino Cheese: A deliciously sharp cheese that enhances the soup with a deep flavor.
  
• Ditalini Pasta: Tiny pasta that soaks up the broth, adding even more texture.
  

Minestrone Soup

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil:
   In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
   
   
2. Sauté the onions:
   Add 1 medium onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
   
   
3. Add celery and carrots:
   Stir in 2 stalks of chopped celery and 2 medium diced carrots. Cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
   
   
4. Add pureed tomatoes:
   Pour in 1 can of pureed tomatoes and simmer for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors blend.
   
   
5. Add the broths:
   Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and 2 cups of beef broth. Raise the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil.
   
   
6. Add the green beans:
   Once it reaches a boil, add 1 cup of string beans, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
   
7. Cook for 5 minutes:
   Let the green beans cook for 5 minutes, allowing the soup to become more flavorful.
   
   
8. Add the potatoes:
   Add in 2 diced potatoes and stir well.
   
   
9. Add zucchini, squash, and beans:
   Stir in 1 medium diced zucchini, 1 small diced squash, 1 cup of chickpeas, and 1 cup of red kidney beans.
   
   
10. Add the Pecorino cheese:
    Drop in a 4 oz block of Pecorino cheese. This will melt into the soup, enriching it with a deep, savory flavor.
    
    
11. Simmer:
    Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld beautifully.
    
    
12. Cook the ditalini pasta:
    While the soup simmers, cook 1 cup of ditalini pasta in a separate pot, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
    
    
13. Serve:
    Once the soup is ready, stir in the cooked pasta, and your Minestrone Soup is ready to serve!
    
    

Serving Suggestions, Storage, Tips, and Variations

Minestrone Soup

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your minestrone soup with a side of crusty bread or toasted garlic bread for the perfect meal.
  
• A sprinkle of extra Pecorino or Parmesan cheese on top will add a nice finishing touch.
  
• Pair with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and lemon for a well-rounded meal.
  

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure to let it cool before transferring to an airtight container.
  
• Freezing: If you have leftovers, freeze them in individual portions for up to 3 months. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
  

Tips:

• You can swap out any of the vegetables for ones you prefer or have on hand. Spinach or kale can be a great addition for more greens!
  
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a small portion of the soup and then stir it back in for a creamier texture.
  

Variations:

• Vegan: Simply swap the beef broth with more vegetable broth and omit the Pecorino cheese for a vegan version.
  
• Add Protein: To make the soup heartier, try adding cooked sausage, ground beef, or turkey to the mix.
  

FAQs

1. Can I make this Minestrone Soup ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make this soup a day ahead of time. The flavors only improve as they sit. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
   
   
2. Can I use different types of beans?
   Yes! You can use white beans, cannellini beans, or any other beans you like. The more variety, the better!
   
   
3. Can I use store-bought broth instead of homemade?
   Absolutely! Store-bought vegetable and beef broth work just as well and will save you time. Just be sure to check for added salt and adjust accordingly.
   
   
4. Can I add more pasta?
   Of course! You can add extra pasta if you like your soup to be more filling. Just be sure to cook it separately so it doesn’t become mushy in the soup.
   
   
5. How do I reheat the soup if it’s been frozen?
   You can reheat frozen soup in a pot on low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little extra broth or water if it thickens too much.

Minestrone Soup

Serves: 8 Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cooking Time: 1.5 Hours 1.5 Hours

Nutrition facts: 250 calories 8 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

MAIN INGREDIENTS 

• Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
• Onion – 1 medium, diced
• Celery – 2 stalks, chopped
• Carrots – 2 medium, diced
• Pureed Tomatoes – 1 can (14 oz)
• Vegetable Broth – 4 cups
• Beef Broth – 2 cups
• Green Beans – 1 cup, chopped
• Salt and Pepper – to taste
• Potatoes – 2 medium, diced
• Zucchini – 1 medium, diced
• Squash – 1 small, diced
• Chickpeas – 1 cup, canned or cooked
• Red Kidney Beans – 1 cup, canned or cooked
• Pecorino Cheese – 1 block (4 oz)
• Ditalini Pasta – 1 cup, uncooked

Dressings 

• Pecorino or Parmesan Cheese – for topping (optional)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – for drizzling (optional)
• Fresh Basil or Parsley – for garnish (optional)
• Garlic Bread – for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté onions in olive oil until soft.
   
2. Add celery, carrots, and cook until soft.
   
3. Stir in pureed tomatoes, vegetable and beef broth, and bring to a boil.
   
4. Add green beans, salt, pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
   
5. Add potatoes, zucchini, squash, chickpeas, red kidney beans, and Pecorino cheese.
   
6. Simmer for 1.5 hours.
   
7. Cook pasta separately, drain, and add to soup before serving.
   

Notes

• Use different veggies or beans based on what you have.
  
• Make ahead and store in the fridge or freezer for later use!