Minestrone Soup Recipe

This hearty and flavorful Minestrone Soup is a classic fall recipe, featuring an assortment of vegetables, beans, and pasta or rice. Perfectly customizable, you can add optional ingredients like mushrooms for an extra savory touch.

Ingredients for Minestrone Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup uncooked pasta (or rice)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup spinach or kale
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method for Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and optional mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth

1. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water to the pot.
2. Stir in the beans (both kidney and cannellini), dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Add Pasta or Rice

1. Stir in the uncooked pasta (or rice). Continue simmering for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta (or rice) is tender.

Step 4: Add Greens

1. Stir in the spinach or kale, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.

Step 5: Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this warm and hearty fall recipe!

Nutrition Facts for Minestrone Soup (Per Serving)

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fiber: 8g

Conclusion

Minestrone Soup is a versatile and comforting fall recipe, filled with nutritious vegetables, beans, and pasta or rice. With the addition of optional ingredients like mushrooms, this soup can be customized to suit your taste for a hearty, warm meal.