Classic Minestrone Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Beans

Minestrone Soup Recipe: A Hearty and Customizable Classic

Minestrone soup is one of those comforting dishes that seems to bring warmth to any occasion, whether it’s a cold winter evening or a casual family gathering. This recipe, passed down from the pages of a local newspaper, is both flexible and easy to make, allowing you to add or omit ingredients to suit your taste. With its rich mix of vegetables, beans, and pasta, this Italian-inspired soup is a filling meal in itself. The addition of freshly grated cheese and crusty garlic bread makes it truly irresistible.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté them for about 2 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This is the base of the flavor, so be sure not to burn the garlic.

2. Add the Vegetables and Beans:
   To the pan, add the chopped celery, carrots, and parsley. Stir well, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly. Then, incorporate the tomatoes, salt, and pepper into the mixture. Stir everything together for another minute, letting the vegetables begin to release their juices.

3. Add the Broth and Simmer:
   Pour in the kidney beans, peas, chopped cabbage, cooked rice, elbow macaroni, and water. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. The soup should thicken slightly, but if you prefer a thinner consistency, feel free to add more water as needed.

4. Adjust Seasoning:
   Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. The soup can also be made a day ahead to enhance the flavor further.

5. Serve:
   Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and sprinkle generously with grated cheese. Serve with slices of crusty Italian bread spread with garlic butter for the perfect finishing touch.

6. Optional Adjustments:

   • Make it Vegetarian: If you prefer a fully vegetarian option, simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
   • Add Meat: For a heartier version, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or even bacon. Simply stir in your choice of cooked meat along with the vegetables for added protein.
   • Adjust Veggies: Don’t hesitate to swap out or add vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, potatoes, or spinach are all great options to include in this soup.

Storage and Tips

• Make-Ahead: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only improve as it sits. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen up the soup.
• Freezing: You can freeze this minestrone soup for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that the pasta and rice may become soft upon thawing, so you may want to cook them separately and add them just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Minestrone soup is a versatile and nutritious dish that can be tailored to fit your dietary needs and taste preferences. Whether you’re using up leftover veggies or creating a warm, comforting dinner from scratch, this soup is a great go-to. Plus, the addition of garlic bread and grated cheese elevates it to the next level of deliciousness. Enjoy this homemade minestrone soup with your family or friends, and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

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