Italian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and variety of dishes. One of the most famous dishes in Italian cuisine is the minestrone soup. The word “minestrone” is derived from the Italian word “minestra,” which means “soup”. This classic Italian soup is made with a variety of vegetables, herbs and legumes. It’s a hearty and nutritious soup that makes for a delicious meal on its own or as an accompaniment to other dishes. In this article, we’ll share an easy minestrone soup recipe so you can enjoy this classic Italian dish at home.
Ingredients for Minestrone Soup
This minestrone soup recipe is quite simple and only requires a few basic ingredients. To make the soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 cup of diced celery
• 1 cup of diced green beans
• 1 cup of chopped zucchini
• 1 cup of canned tomatoes
• 1 cup of chopped cabbage
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 2 cups of cooked small pasta (such as ditalini, short macaroni, or small shells)
• salt and pepper to taste
In addition to the base ingredients, you can also add in any additional vegetables or herbs that you like to customize your minestrone soup. You can also add in any cooked legumes, such as kidney beans, cannellini beans, or chickpeas to make the soup even heartier.
Instructions for Minestrone Soup
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients, you can start making your minestrone soup. Here’s how to make it:
1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add in the garlic and onion and cook for 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure that the garlic does not burn.
2. Add in the carrots, celery, green beans, and zucchini.
Cook the vegetables for an additional 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
3. Add in the canned tomatoes, cabbage, and vegetable broth.
Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the soup for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Finally, add in the cooked pasta and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Once the soup is ready, you can serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a slice of crusty Italian bread on the side. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful minestrone soup!
Conclusion
Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish that is both hearty and nutritious. This easy minestrone soup recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Italian cuisine in your own home. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can make a delicious and flavorful minestrone soup that is sure to become a regular part of your cooking routine. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
