Minestrone Soup Recipe

Minestrone Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup small pasta shells or ditalini
• 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the diced carrots and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes.
2. Add Zucchini and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the diced zucchini, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
   • Add the oregano, basil, and thyme, and stir to combine.
3. Add Liquids and Beans:
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable broth.
   • Add the kidney beans, and bring the soup to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   • While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta separately according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   • Alternatively, you can add the pasta directly to the soup to cook, but you may need to add more broth as the pasta will absorb some liquid.
5. Add Greens and Combine:
   • Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cooked pasta.
   • Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the greens to wilt and the flavors to meld together.
6. Season and Serve:
   • Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
   • Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions:

• This soup pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich or crusty bread, as shown in the image.
• You can also serve it with a side salad for a more complete meal.

This Minestrone Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Enjoy!