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Cozy Classic Minestrone Soup

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A warm, wholesome, and easy-to-make minestrone soup packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and small pasta shapes, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 (14.5 oz / 410 g) can diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cooked red kidney beans or 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow macaroni, about 100 g)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or kale)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes until vegetables soften and onion is translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with juice and add the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
  5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors and slightly reduce broth.
  6. Add small pasta and kidney beans. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender but al dente, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add diced zucchini and chopped spinach. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes until greens wilt and zucchini softens.
  8. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Optionally drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

If soup tastes flat, add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushiness. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and skip Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast. Cook pasta separately if not serving immediately to avoid sogginess. Fresh herbs added last preserve flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: minestrone soup, classic soup, vegetable soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, Italian soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/cozy-classic-minestrone-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-meal/