Easy Minestrone Soup
Try this Easy Minestrone Soup recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Easy Minestrone Soup recipe, or contribute your own.
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup celery trimmed and diced
- 1 cup carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 small zucchini halved and sliced into thin half-moons
- 1 (28 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can navy beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 once can italian green beans drained
- about 20 ounces vegetable broth (more as needed)
- 1 cup small pasta (i used small shells but ditalini is a
- 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach torn
- fresh grated parmesan cheese and cracked black pep
- Carbohydrate 2.47673749989691 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.419810750128334 g
- Fiber 0.613095005968278 g
- Protein 0.4483317499824 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0697788500157289 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (23g)
- Sodium 125.550184999979 mg
- Sugar 1.86364249392863 g
- Trans Fat 0.0302797000012155 g
- Calories 14 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large stock pot heat the oil.
- Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook over medium high heat until they begin to soften -- 2-3 minutes.
- Add the zucchini, garlic, basil, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Stir and cook for about a minute.
- Add the bay leaves and tomatoes. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
- Add the 3 kinds of beans and the broth.
- Let the liquid come to a boil.
- Add the pasta and let it cook to al dente.
- Reduce the heat and toss in the fresh spinach. Let it cook until it just begins to wilt but is still bright green.
- Serve the soup HOT! topped with the grated Parmesan, pepper and bread for dipping.
Easy Minestrone Soup: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. I need recipes that are quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. This Easy Minestrone Soup fits the bill perfectly. It's a hearty, flavorful soup that’s surprisingly simple to make, even on a weeknight when I'm juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and everything else that comes with the territory.
The beauty of minestrone is its adaptability. It's a blank canvas for whatever vegetables you have on hand. I often tweak the recipe based on what's fresh at the farmers market or what needs to be used up from my fridge. Sometimes I add extra carrots, sometimes I throw in some chopped bell peppers. The core ingredients remain the same: onions, celery, carrots, beans, and pasta, forming a base of comforting familiarity.
This recipe is my go-to for those evenings when I crave something warm and nourishing. The simple steps and readily available ingredients make it a perfect solution for a quick weeknight meal. The aroma alone fills my kitchen with such a warm and inviting fragrance and the taste is just as wholesome and pleasing.
Beyond the Basics: Making Minestrone Your Own
One of the things I love most about minestrone is its versatility. It's a truly customizable dish, allowing you to tailor it to your own preferences and what's available. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Consider adding potatoes, green beans, or even some chopped mushrooms for extra depth of flavor. Different types of beans work wonderfully, too; cannellini beans, chickpeas, or even lentils could be incorporated.
The pasta is another area where you can get creative. Small pasta shapes, like ditalini or elbow macaroni, work best, as they cook quickly and absorb the flavorful broth. But don't be afraid to try other small pasta options. I've even used broken spaghetti pieces, and it was surprisingly delightful.
For a heartier soup, you could add some leftover cooked chicken or sausage. A dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving can elevate the soup to the next level. And, of course, a good grating of Parmesan cheese is a must-have for that classic, savory finish.
Serving Suggestions:
This soup is incredibly satisfying on its own. A crusty slice of bread for dipping is always a welcome addition. I often serve it with a side salad for a light yet complete meal, allowing me a balanced and nutritious meal without spending a lot of time preparing.
Beyond the Weeknight:
While this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it's also fantastic for meal prepping. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day! Make a large batch on the weekend and have delicious, healthy lunches ready for the week ahead. This is a significant timesaver for me, and minimizes the stress of daily meal preparation. This soup is a true testament to how a simple recipe can bring immense pleasure and comfort to the table, even within the hectic schedule of everyday life.
The Comfort of a Simple Soup:
In a world that often feels rushed and overwhelming, there's something truly special about sitting down to a bowl of warm, homemade soup. It's a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the simple pleasures in life. This Easy Minestrone Soup is more than just a recipe; it's a small act of self-care, a moment of peace amidst the chaos. It's a recipe that nourishes not only the body but also the soul.
The Recipe's Legacy:
This recipe, refined over several years of experimentation, represents more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions. It embodies my philosophy on cooking; a blend of simplicity, adaptability, and a dedication to using fresh, wholesome ingredients. It is a recipe I happily share, knowing it will bring comfort and deliciousness to other busy home cooks who, like me, appreciate a dish that is both satisfying and effortlessly enjoyable.
