Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, where we celebrate the joy of cooking with family recipes that warm the heart and soul. Today, we are sharing a delightful recipe for Classic Minestrone Soup, a wonderfully light and refreshing Italian soup that has been lovingly perfected over the years by my family—who, by the way, are not Italian! This recipe combines fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and a hint of herbs, making it perfect for brunch or any cozy gathering. With its ease of preparation and affordable ingredients, this minestrone is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Description

This Classic Minestrone Soup is an Italian classic, known for its vibrant colors and wholesome flavors. Packed with an array of vegetables and beans, it offers a nutritious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year. The soup is not only easy to make but also allows for flexibility with the ingredients, making it an excellent choice for beginner cooks. Whether you’re serving it at brunch or as a comforting dinner option, this recipe is sure to impress.

Recipe Details

Attribute	Details
Total Time	1 hour
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Recipe Category	Clear Soup
Servings	4
Calories per Serving	287.4
Rating	★★★★★ (5/5)
Review Count	1

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	287.4
Total Fat	11.5 g
Saturated Fat	1.7 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	346.3 mg
Carbohydrates	38.5 g
Fiber	9.5 g
Sugar	9.3 g
Protein	9.6 g

Ingredients

Quantity	Ingredient
1	Leek
2	Carrots
1	Zucchini
3/4	Cup Green Beans
2	Celery
3	Tablespoons Olive Oil
6 1/4	Cups Water
1	Can Chopped Tomatoes
1	Cup Fresh Basil
1	Tablespoon Fresh Thyme
1	Teaspoon Dried Thyme
2	Cans Cannellini Beans
1	Can Kidney Beans
1	Cup Macaroni
1	Cup Parmesan Cheese (optional)
1	Cup Fresh Parsley (optional)

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: Begin by placing the first six ingredients—leek, carrots, zucchini, green beans, celery, and olive oil—into a large saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the vegetables are sizzling, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once they start sizzling, cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and allow the vegetables to sweat for approximately 15 minutes. During this time, remember to shake the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add the Liquids and Herbs: After the vegetables have softened, it’s time to elevate the flavor profile of your soup. Add in the stock or water, chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh thyme, dried thyme, and seasonings to taste. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring that the herbs are evenly distributed.
Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then replace the lid and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to simmer for about 30 minutes. This is when the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and aromatic base for your minestrone.
Incorporate the Beans and Pasta: After 30 minutes, add the canned beans (along with their liquid) and the macaroni to the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and cooked through.
Final Touches and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, check the seasonings and adjust as necessary. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Conclusion

This Classic Minestrone Soup is not only a wonderful dish for brunch but also a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Its delightful combination of vegetables and beans makes it a hearty, nutritious option that is both filling and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or a cozy evening at home, this minestrone is bound to please. Enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful!

Additional Tips

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or whatever is in season. Kale, spinach, or bell peppers are great additions!
To make this soup a complete meal, consider serving it with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad on the side.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords

Beans, Vegetable, European, Winter, Brunch, < 60 Mins, Beginner Cook, Easy, Inexpensive

With this delicious recipe for Classic Minestrone Soup, we hope you’ll bring warmth and joy to your table! Thank you for choosing Love With Recipes; happy cooking!