Homestyle Minestrone Soup
Description:
This Homestyle Minestrone Soup is a hearty, filling, and incredibly healthy option, perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly evening. Bursting with flavor from fresh vegetables and savory seasonings, it’s a delightful dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. The absence of pasta keeps it light and low in calories, while the addition of potatoes provides just the right amount of starch to make it substantial. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the ground chuck for an equally delicious version. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, this soup is sure to please!
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: Not specified
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bay leaf | 5 |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Dark red kidney beans | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic-flavored olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Carrots | 1 |
| Onion | 1 |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Green bell pepper | 1 |
| Water | 6 cups |
| Potatoes | 5 |
| Sweet basil | 2 tsp |
| Cabbage | 1 1/2 cups |
| Whole kernel corn | 1 1/2 cups |
| Stewed tomatoes | 1 1/2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Begin by browning the ground chuck along with the garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a medium-large frying pan. Once browned, drain the excess fat and set the cooked meat aside.
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In a small saucepan, simmer the dark red kidney beans until they begin to crack open, approximately 20 minutes. This will help soften them for the soup.
-
Meanwhile, chop all the fresh vegetables – carrots, onion, celery, and green bell pepper. In a large stew pot (approximately 8 quarts), heat the garlic-flavored olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté until the onions and celery become somewhat translucent.
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Once the vegetables are sautéed, add 6 cups of water to the stew pot, along with the diced potatoes and seasonings – sweet basil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer for about 8 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
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After 8 minutes, add the cabbage to the pot and continue to cook, covered, for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the potatoes are halfway cooked through.
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Next, add the browned ground chuck, simmered kidney beans, whole kernel corn, and stewed tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Allow the soup to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they may become too soft.
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Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve piping hot with crackers and crusty buttered bread on the side. For added flavor, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
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For a vegetarian variation, simply omit the ground chuck and reduce the water by 1 1/2 cups. The soup will still be flavorful and satisfying, perfect for those who prefer meatless options.
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Enjoy this delicious Homestyle Minestrone Soup, and savor each spoonful of its comforting goodness!
Keywords: Vegetable, Meat, European, Winter, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 143.4
- Fat Content: 2.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 0.3mg
- Sodium Content: 685.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 28.2g
- Fiber Content: 6.2g
- Sugar Content: 7.4g
- Protein Content: 5.6g
Chef’s Tips:
- Feel free to customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- To save time, you can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer-term storage. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- Experiment with different toppings such as shredded cheese, croutons, or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor and presentation of the soup.
- Don’t hesitate to make a big batch of this soup to enjoy throughout the week or to share with family and friends. It’s perfect for meal prep and easy to reheat whenever hunger strikes.
Enjoy your homemade Homestyle Minestrone Soup and savor the comforting flavors with each spoonful! 🥣🥕🍅
