Classic Minestrone Recipe 🥣
Overview:
Indulge in the hearty goodness of this Classic Minestrone, a beloved European vegetable-based soup perfect for a cozy lunch or snack on any weeknight. This vegan delight, simmered to perfection on your stove top in under 4 hours, promises an easy culinary adventure, brimming with wholesome flavors and textures.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 270.6
- Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Fat: 11.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 368.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10.1g
- Sugar: 9.9g
- Protein: 9.3g
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 leek, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 4 oz green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, undrained
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped leek, diced carrots, zucchini, green beans, and sliced celery to the saucepan. Cover and reduce heat to low. Allow the vegetables to cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
- Add Stock and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and fresh thyme. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, replace the lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for approximately 30 minutes.
- Incorporate Beans and Pasta: After 30 minutes, stir in the cannellini beans with their liquid and add the elbow macaroni to the soup. Allow it to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, season the Classic Minestrone with salt and ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Chef’s Tips:
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers.
- Customize your Classic Minestrone by incorporating your favorite seasonal vegetables or substituting ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion:
Elevate your culinary repertoire with this Classic Minestrone recipe, a comforting bowl of goodness that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a novice in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to impress with its robust flavors and wholesome ingredients. Share the love by preparing this delicious soup for family and friends, and savor the warmth and comfort it brings with every spoonful.
