Main-Dish Minestrone Recipe 🍲
Overview:
Main-Dish Minestrone is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired soup that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, ready in under 4 hours. This recipe is low in cholesterol and bursting with wholesome ingredients like Italian sausage, vegetables, beans, and herbs. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 2 tbsp | Butter |
| 1/2 lb | Italian sausage |
| 1 | Onion |
| 1 | Garlic clove |
| 1/2 cup | Celery |
| 1/2 cup | Carrot |
| 1/2 cup | Green pepper |
| 2 tbsp | Fresh parsley |
| 1/2 tsp | Dried basil |
| 1/2 tsp | Dried thyme |
| 1 | Bay leaf |
| 2 cups | Chopped tomatoes |
| 1/4 head | Cabbage |
| 2 cups | Cooked kidney beans |
| 4 cups | Chicken stock |
| 2 cups | Elbow macaroni |
Instructions:
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In a large heavy saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts and the oil is shimmering.
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Add the Italian sausage to the pan and cook until lightly browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
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Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, sliced carrot, and diced green pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened but not browned, stirring occasionally.
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Season with chopped parsley, dried basil, dried thyme, a bay leaf, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.
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Pour in the chopped tomatoes and chicken stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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After 10 minutes, add the shredded cabbage, cooked kidney beans, and elbow macaroni to the soup. Stir well, ensuring all ingredients are submerged in the broth.
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Cover the saucepan again and continue to simmer the soup for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have developed.
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If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little water until it reaches your desired thickness.
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Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper as needed.
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For a delicious variation, try substituting ground beef for the Italian sausage and beef stock for the chicken stock. You can also swap out the macaroni and kidney beans for dried lentils and barley for a unique twist on this classic soup.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 274.6
- Fat: 15.9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Cholesterol: 27.4mg
- Sodium: 652.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 21.1g
- Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugar: 6.2g
- Protein: 12.1g
Serving Suggestions:
Main-Dish Minestrone is best served hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a few freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Italian soup any night of the week!
