Minestra Giardiniera (Vegetable Soup) – A Fresh and Hearty Italian Delight
This Minestra Giardiniera, or Italian garden vegetable soup, is a classic first course dish that showcases the finest seasonal vegetables in a savory broth. With its vibrant mix of fresh garden vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, Roman broccoli, and more, it makes for a comforting and healthy meal, perfect for any time of year. The dish is simple yet flavorful, offering a perfect blend of ingredients enhanced by the earthy taste of extra virgin olive oil and a subtle hint of bay leaves.
Category: Primi Piatti (First Course)
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sedani Rigati (rigatoni pasta) | 200g |
| Carrots | 100g |
| Cauliflower | 200g |
| Roman Broccoli (Broccoli Romaneschi) | 200g |
| Celery (Sedano) | 100g |
| Green Beans (Fagiolini) | 100g |
| Sweet Peas (Pisellini) | 100g |
| Water | 5 liters |
| Salt (Sale fino) | to taste |
| Black Pepper (Pepe nero) | to taste |
| Bay Leaves (Alloro) | 2 leaves |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Olio extravergine d’oliva) | 80g |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
Begin by thoroughly cleaning all the vegetables. Peel and trim the ends of the carrots before cutting them into thin rounds. You may use a mandolin with a wavy blade for a unique texture, but this is optional.
Next, prepare the celery by chopping the stalks into small, bite-sized pieces.
For the cauliflower, cut it in half and remove the central core. Divide it into florets, ensuring to eliminate any excess stems.
Similarly, prepare the Roman broccoli (broccoli romaneschi) by cutting it into florets in the same manner as the cauliflower.
For the green beans, wash them well and trim the ends. Then cut them into 2-3 parts depending on their length.
Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables
In a large pot or saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot, allowing them to sauté gently and release their natural flavors. As they cook, add the bay leaves for a fragrant aroma.
Once the carrots and celery have softened slightly, add the cauliflower florets, Roman broccoli, and green beans to the pot. Stir to combine and coat the vegetables with the olive oil and aromatics.
Step 3: Adding the Water and Peas
Add the peas (pisellini) to the pot along with the 5 liters of water. If you find that the water doesn’t fully cover the vegetables, add more water as needed. The water should be enough to fully immerse the vegetables.
Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing it to cook for about 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Adding the Pasta
Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness, bring the soup back to a boil and add the sedani rigati pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Let the pasta cook until al dente, about 10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta used.
Step 5: Seasoning and Serving
Once the pasta is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to your liking. Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
Serve the Minestra Giardiniera hot, drizzling each bowl with an extra splash of olive oil for added richness.
Tips & Variations
-
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on availability or preference. Potatoes, zucchini, or green peas can be great additions.
-
Broth Substitute: For a more robust flavor, you can replace some of the water with vegetable broth or chicken stock.
-
Pasta Substitute: If Sedani Rigati isn’t available, other short pasta shapes like penne or macaroni work wonderfully in this soup.
-
Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan, but if you’d like to make it richer, consider adding a dollop of vegan pesto or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45g |
| Fiber | ~7g |
| Fat | ~10g |
| Saturated Fat | ~1.5g |
| Sodium | ~500mg |
This Minestra Giardiniera offers a delicious balance of nutrients and vibrant flavors, making it an ideal dish to serve as a starter or a light meal on its own. The combination of fresh vegetables, hearty pasta, and a flavorful broth creates an unforgettable Italian culinary experience. Enjoy a warm bowl of this comforting soup that brings the essence of Italian cooking straight to your kitchen!
