Hearty Italian Minestrone (Print Version)

Hearty Italian soup brimming with fresh vegetables, pasta, and beans in flavorful tomato broth.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup green beans, chopped
08 - 2 cups chopped spinach or kale

→ Base & Seasonings

09 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
10 - 6 cups vegetable broth
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Pasta & Beans

16 - 3/4 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
17 - 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
18 - 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Garnishes

19 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
20 - Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
21 - Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic, zucchini, and green beans; cook for 3-4 minutes.
03 - Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
04 - Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
05 - Stir in pasta and both types of beans. Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
06 - Add spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove bay leaf.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of vegetables, beans, and pasta that somehow manages to be both rustic and elegant at the same time.
  • You can easily customize it based on whatever produce is lingering in your crisper drawer, making it the ultimate clean-out-the-fridge meal that never feels like a compromise.
02 -
  • Adding the pasta directly to the soup pot is convenient but it will continue absorbing liquid even after cooking, so if youre planning leftovers, consider cooking and storing the pasta separately.
  • The flavor actually improves overnight as the ingredients have time to meld together, making this an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
03 -
  • Save the rinds from Parmesan cheese in your freezer and toss one into the pot while the soup simmers for an incredible depth of flavor that will have everyone wondering about your secret ingredient.
  • Finish each serving with a small drizzle of your best olive oil right before eating, the way Italian grandmothers do, to create a luxurious mouthfeel and enhance the flavors dramatically.
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