Minestrone soup is a typical Italian thick vegetable and bean soup. As its name suggests, it is made by mixing a wide variety of vegetables and ingredients to create a delicious and wholesome soup. Minestrone is one of the most popular and well-loved soups around the world, and for good reason. It is satisfying, healthy, and easy to make. As the fall and winter months approach, you’ll appreciate this recipe for a warm and cozy homemade Minestrone soup.
How to Make Minestrone Soup
The great thing about minestrone soup is that there’s no one right way to make it – it’s a versatile recipe and can be customized to your preference. This recipe uses a mix of onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, and beans, and you can add or omit any of these ingredients to make it your own. The base of the broth is made from low-sodium vegetable broth and bay leaf for flavor, and you can also add some pasta if you like. Minestrone soup is also great for using up any variety of leftover vegetables you may have, making it a budget-friendly dish.
Ingredients for Minestrone Soup:
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 small tomatoes, chopped
- 14 oz. can of white kidney beans, drained
- 6 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Minestrone Soup:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and saute for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft. Stir in the tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add the vegetable broth, kidney beans, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Once your soup is done, remove the bay leaf and taste the soup for seasoning, adjust as needed.
Serve in bowls and garnish with parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Why Minestrone is Such a Healthy Choice:
Minestrone is such a healthy choice because of its rich variety of vegetables and nutrient-dense ingredients. The vegetables in minestrone soup, such as carrots, celery, tomatoes, and onions are full of vitamins and minerals that support your overall health. White beans, with their high fiber content and low-fat properties, add a good source of protein, and the olive oil in the base adds healthy fats.
This recipe also features low-sodium vegetable broth, which makes it lower in sodium than other options, and it can also be made vegan or gluten-free.
A Delicious and Hearty Meal for Your Table
With its hearty and warming flavor, minestrone soup is such a classic and comforting dish. Its rich variety of vegetables and nutrient-dense ingredients make it a great choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. With its customizable flavor and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that’s perfect for the cooler months and any time you need a delicious and nourishing meal for your table.
