Minestrone Recipe
Description: Dive into the heartwarming flavors of this classic Minestrone recipe, brought to you by lovewithrecipes.com. This hearty soup combines Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, simmered to perfection for a comforting meal any time of the year.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal π²
Keywords: Pork, Vegetable, Meat, European, Low Cholesterol, Weeknight, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 665.6
- Fat: 44.7g
- Saturated Fat: 15.5g
- Cholesterol: 86.3mg
- Sodium: 3260.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 29.1g
- Fiber: 4.2g
- Sugar: 9.8g
- Protein: 37g
Servings: 6
Cooking Times:
| Preparation | Cook | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 2 hrs | 2 hrs 15 mins |
Ingredients:
- 2 Italian sausages
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 8 cups beef broth
- 28 ounces canned tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 squash, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- Β½ cup small shell pasta
Instructions:
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Brown the Sausage: In a large soup pot, brown the Italian sausages over medium heat until cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
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Drain the Fat: Once the sausages are cooked, drain excess fat from the pot.
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Melt the Margarine: Add margarine to the pot and melt it with the sausage drippings.
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Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the melted margarine and sausage drippings. Stir to combine, creating a roux.
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Incorporate Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth or bouillon, canned tomatoes (slightly chopped), diced onion, minced garlic, oregano, and basil. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
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Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for approximately 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: After 45 minutes, add the diced zucchini, squash, carrots, and small shell pasta to the pot. Stir well.
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Continue Simmering: Let the soup simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the pasta is cooked to your desired consistency.
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Adjust Consistency: If needed, adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more broth or water.
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Serve: Once the soup is done simmering, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs.
Additional Notes:
- This Minestrone soup can be simmered slowly all day if desired, just be sure to check occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid to prevent it from drying out.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of this homemade Minestrone soup, perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. Bursting with flavor and nutrients, this hearty dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
