Sure! Let’s delve into the hearty world of Minestrone soup, a comforting Italian classic that’s brimming with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. This recipe, sourced from lovewithrecipes.com, promises to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire, whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests with a wholesome meal. 🍲
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 cups | Garbanzo beans |
| 1/2 cup | Dry pasta |
| 1 | Fresh tomato |
| 3 tablespoons | Olive oil |
| Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish) | |
| 1 | Onion |
| 4-5 cloves | Garlic |
| 1 stalk | Celery |
| 1 | Carrot |
| 1 | Eggplant or Zucchini |
| 1 | Green pepper |
| 2 teaspoons | Salt |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Black pepper |
| 1 teaspoon | Dried oregano |
| 1 | Tomato puree |
| 1 cup | Water |
| 1/2 cup | Dry red wine |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | |
| Fresh basil (optional, for garnish) |
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a soup kettle over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and onions, and sauté until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their enticing aroma into the kitchen.
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Add Vegetables: To the pot, add in 1 teaspoon of salt, diced carrots, celery, and either eggplant or zucchini, depending on your preference. If opting for zucchini, it’s best to add it along with the green pepper.
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Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in black pepper and dried oregano, stirring well to ensure the vegetables are coated with the aromatic flavors. Pour in the vegetable stock, tomato puree, cooked garbanzo beans, and a splash of dry red wine for added depth of flavor. Cover the pot and allow the ingredients to simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Incorporate Tomatoes: After the initial simmering, add in chopped fresh tomatoes along with the remaining salt, adjusting according to your taste preferences. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let the soup gently simmer until about 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve.
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Cook Pasta: Just before serving, bring the soup to a gentle boil. Add in the dry pasta of your choice, ensuring it is fully submerged in the flavorful broth. Allow the pasta to cook until tender, absorbing the delicious flavors of the soup.
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Serve and Garnish: Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, ladle the piping hot Minestrone soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a shaving of Parmesan cheese for an indulgent touch. For an extra burst of freshness, consider adding a few torn basil leaves on top.
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Enjoy: Gather around the table with loved ones and savor each spoonful of this nourishing Minestrone soup, relishing in its comforting flavors and wholesome goodness. Serve alongside crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal experience.
This Minestrone recipe is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch, making it perfect for those seeking a healthy yet hearty dish. With its abundance of vegetables, legumes, and aromatic herbs, this soup is a celebration of vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, guaranteed to warm both body and soul on even the chilliest of days. So go ahead, simmer up a pot of this delightful Minestrone and share the love with family and friends! 🥣🌿
