Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish, packed full of delicious and nutritious ingredients. It’s a great way to enjoy a taste of Italy, while also packing in a good portion of your five-a-day. This hearty and healthy soup can be enjoyed all year round and makes for a great meal for both family and friends. In this article, we’ll share an easy recipe for making your own homemade minestrone soup.
What is Minestrone Soup?
Minestrone soup is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the north of the country. It’s a hearty and filling soup made from a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions and garlic. It also contains beans and pasta and is often flavored with herbs and spices. The ingredients can vary, depending on the region of Italy it’s from, but the outcome is usually a hearty, nutritious soup that’s bursting with flavor.
The Nutritional Benefits of Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is packed full of healthy ingredients, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. It’s low in fat, which is great for those looking to lose weight or improve their health. The vegetables in the soup are also a good source of fiber, which can improve digestion and help you to feel full. The beans and pasta in the soup provide a good source of protein, which can help to keep you feeling full for longer.
An Easy Recipe for Minestrone Soup
Here’s a simple recipe for making your own delicious and nutritious minestrone soup.
Ingredients:
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 can chopped tomatoes
– 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup small pasta, such as fusilli or macaroni
– 4 cups vegetable stock
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, until the onion is softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes and tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Add the vegetable stock, oregano and thyme and bring the soup to a simmer.
6. Simmer for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
7. Add the pasta and beans and cook for a further 10 minutes, until the pasta is cooked.
8. Season the soup with salt and pepper.
Serving Minestrone Soup
Once the minestrone soup is ready, you can serve it with some crusty Italian bread on the side. You can also add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra delicious touch. Enjoy your homemade minestrone soup!
Conclusion
Minestrone soup is a delicious and nutritious Italian dish that makes for a great family meal. This easy recipe is packed full of healthy ingredients and can be enjoyed all year round. So why not give it a try and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own home?
