Macaroni Minestrone Soup Pot Recipe
Wholesome Italian Soup Made Using Vegetables, Beans, and Macaroni
This Macaroni Minestrone Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish packed with a variety of vegetables, beans, and macaroni. It’s a perfect comfort food, especially when served with a side of garlic bread. Combining the rich flavors of fresh vegetables and Italian herbs, this soup is both satisfying and healthy. It’s easy to make, with a burst of vibrant colors and flavors that come together in one pot. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light meal or a comforting side dish, this soup is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Carrot (diced and steamed) | 1 medium |
| Green Peas (steamed) | 1/4 cup |
| Sweet Corn (steamed) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Beans (French Beans, steamed) | 8 beans (strings removed) |
| Celery (finely chopped) | 1 stalk |
| Green Zucchini (diced) | 1 medium |
| Button Mushrooms (quartered) | 8 mushrooms |
| Yellow Bell Pepper (diced) | 1 medium |
| Canned Beans (or cooked beans) | 1 cup |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1 cup |
| Black Pepper (freshly crushed) | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika Powder (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Macaroni Pasta | 1 cup |
| Vegetable Stock | 4 cups (as required) |
| Bay Leaf | 1 leaf |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mixed Dried Herbs (e.g., rosemary) | 1 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 280-300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Calcium | 120mg |
| Iron | 2.5mg |
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 35 minutes
Total Time:
- 45 minutes
Servings:
- 2
Cuisine:
- Italian
Course:
- Side Dish
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by preparing all your vegetables. Dice the carrot, zucchini, and yellow bell pepper. Chop the celery, onion, and garlic. Quarter the mushrooms and steam the green beans, peas, and sweet corn to ensure they are cooked through but still vibrant and fresh. -
Sauté the Base:
In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic fragrant. -
Add the Vegetables:
Now, toss in the chopped celery, diced carrot, and bay leaf. Sauté the mixture for another 1-2 minutes. Follow this by adding the steamed green peas, sweet corn, green beans, and carrot. Stir everything well and cook for 5-6 minutes. If you are using pre-steamed vegetables, this step can be skipped. -
Simmer with Stock:
To prevent burning, add about 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable stock to the pan. This will help keep the vegetables moist and allow them to cook without sticking. Stir well and continue sautéing for a minute before adding the sliced mushrooms, bell pepper, zucchini, and tomato puree. Mix everything together. -
Add the Broth and Seasoning:
Pour in the vegetable stock, and season the soup with salt, freshly crushed black pepper, sugar, and paprika powder (if using). Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld. -
Add Beans and Macaroni:
Add the canned beans (or your preferred cooked beans) and macaroni to the soup. Stir well and add more stock if necessary, depending on how thick or thin you want the soup. Continue to simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked al dente. -
Final Adjustments:
Taste the soup and adjust the salt and spices as needed. You can add a bit more paprika for extra warmth or more herbs to enhance the flavor. If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable stock or water to reach your desired consistency. -
Serve:
Once the soup is cooked to perfection, remove it from the heat and discard the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh mixed herbs (such as rosemary or thyme). For the ultimate experience, serve the soup with a side of garlic bread.
Serving Suggestions:
This hearty Macaroni Minestrone Soup is delicious on its own but can also be served with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a fresh salad, like a Simple Italian Salad, for a balanced, satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
This soup is a true comfort food, with its rich, vegetable-packed broth and tender macaroni. The combination of different textures – from the crisp vegetables to the soft pasta – makes each spoonful delightful. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds a touch of creaminess, while the mixed dried herbs bring out the authentic Italian flavor profile. Perfect for a cozy evening or as a side dish to a main course, this Macaroni Minestrone Soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Tips for Perfecting Your Minestrone Soup:
- Pre-steam your vegetables: Steaming your vegetables beforehand saves cooking time and keeps them tender, yet firm.
- Use homemade vegetable stock: For a richer flavor, make your own vegetable stock. It adds depth to the soup and ensures the dish is made from scratch.
- Customize the beans: Feel free to use different types of beans, like kidney beans, cannellini, or chickpeas, depending on your preference.
- Make it spicier: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or extra paprika to the soup.
This Macaroni Minestrone Soup Pot is the ultimate Italian-inspired comfort food. Full of vegetables, beans, and pasta, it’s an easy-to-make meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Enjoy it on a cool day, with a hearty piece of garlic bread for dipping!
