Minestrone Recipe
Overview
Minestrone is a classic Italian vegetable soup known for its hearty flavors and nutritious ingredients. This recipe has been meticulously crafted to deliver a robust soup experience that captures the essence of traditional European cuisine, perfect for cold winter days or anytime you crave a comforting meal.
Recipe Details
- Name: Minestrone
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Description: This recipe is a result of careful research and experimentation, focusing on creating a thick, flavorful base using pureed onion, carrot, and celery. Garlic is used sparingly to enhance without overpowering the soup’s delicate balance.
- Category: Beans
- Keywords: Vegetable, European, Winter, Small Appliance, < 4 Hours, Inexpensive
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Onion, finely chopped |
| 1 | Celery stalk, finely chopped |
| 1 | Carrot, finely chopped |
| 1/4 | Cup butter |
| 2 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 1 can | Italian-style diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) |
| 1 can | Garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz) |
| 1 can | Dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz) |
| 1 cup | Green beans, trimmed and chopped |
| 3/4 cup | Small pasta (like macaroni) |
| 3 | Quarts vegetable broth |
| 2 | Cloves garlic, minced (optional) |
| 1 | Bell pepper, diced |
| 1 tbsp | Dried parsley |
| 1 tsp | Dried oregano |
| 1 tsp | Dried basil |
| 1/2 tsp | Dried thyme |
| 2 tbsp | Soy sauce |
| To taste | Fresh ground black pepper |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 274.3
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.1g
- Cholesterol: 20.3mg
- Sodium: 428.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 42.5g
- Fiber: 8.6g
- Sugar: 5.8g
- Protein: 8.2g
Instructions
-
Prepare Vegetables: In a food processor, blend the onion, celery, and carrot until almost a paste-like consistency.
-
-
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter (or olive oil) over medium heat. Add the processed onion, celery, and carrot mixture. Sauté until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
-
Add Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, green beans, bell pepper, garlic (if using), dried parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and soy sauce. Pour in the vegetable broth.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, or until all vegetables are tender and flavors are well combined.
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Add Pasta: About 20 minutes before serving, add the pasta to the pot. If the soup has thickened too much, add more vegetable broth as needed.
-
Serve: Adjust seasoning with fresh ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the hot minestrone into bowls and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Vegetable Preparation: Ensure the onion, celery, and carrot are finely processed to create a smooth base that enhances the soup’s texture and flavor.
- Garlic: Use garlic sparingly to avoid overpowering the soup; adjust to personal taste preferences.
- Simmering Time: Allow sufficient simmering time for the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
- Adjust Consistency: Depending on personal preference, adjust the amount of broth and pasta to achieve the desired thickness of the soup.
This minestrone recipe promises a delightful blend of vegetables, beans, and aromatic herbs, creating a satisfying soup that is both nutritious and full of flavor. Enjoy it as a main dish or as a hearty starter to any meal, especially during colder months when comfort food is most appreciated.
