How long does it take to make Minestrone Soup Recipe?

Based on our recipe instructions, the Minestrone Soup takes about 38 minutes to prepare. You'll spend around 8 minutes softening the vegetables, and then let the soup simmer for 20 minutes. Finally, add the pasta and cook for another 10 minutes.

What ingredients do I need for Minestrone Soup Recipe?

You'll need the following ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 medium yellow onion, 2 medium carrots, 2 celery ribs, 1 teaspoon sea salt, black pepper, 3 garlic cloves, a 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes, 1.5 cups cooked white or kidney beans, 1 cup chopped green beans, 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 3/4 cup small pasta, 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and optional Parmesan cheese for serving.

Can I use different beans for the Minestrone Soup?

Yes, you can use different beans. The recipe suggests using white beans or kidney beans, but feel free to substitute with other varieties like cannellini or chickpeas. Just make sure they're cooked, drained, and rinsed before adding to the soup.

What type of pasta is best for Minestrone Soup?

For Minestrone Soup, small pasta shapes work best, such as elbows, shells, or orecchiette. These types of pasta hold up well in the soup and provide a nice texture without overpowering the other ingredients.

How can I adjust the seasoning in the Minestrone Soup?

Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Remember, seasoning is personal, so feel free to tweak it to suit your taste preferences.

Is it necessary to use fresh parsley in the Minestrone Soup?

While fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the soup, it's not absolutely necessary. If you don't have fresh parsley on hand, you can skip it or substitute with a small amount of dried parsley, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Minestrone Soup Recipe: Hearty Tuscan Comfort in a Bowl

Name: Minestrone Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml); – 150 g / 5 oz beef bacon, finely chopped; – 1 onion, chopped; – 2 garlic cloves, minced; – 800 g / 28 oz crushed tomato (or 700 g passata); – 2 cups chicken stock/broth, low sodium (480 ml); – 2 cups water (480 ml); – 3 tbsp (45 ml) tomato paste; – 2 tsp (10 ml) Worcestershire sauce; – 400 g / 14 oz canned kidney beans, drained; – 1 tsp (5 ml) EACH salt and pepper; – 1 cup (240 ml) small pasta, like ditalini, tiny shells, risoni/orzo, baby macaroni, alphabet or star pasta; – 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated cheese; – 1 celery rib*, chopped 1.5 cm / 1/2″ pieces; – 1 large carrot*, peeled and diced 1.5 cm / 1/2″ pieces; – 1 zucchini*, chopped 1.5 cm / 1/2″ pieces; – 1 potato*, cut into 1.5 cm / 1/2″ pieces (peel if needed); – 100 g / 3 oz green beans*, trimmed then cut into 2 cm / 3/5″ lengths; – 2 oz / 60 g baby spinach (or frozen spinach, kale or similar – can leave out); – More grated cheese; – Chopped parsley; – Crusty bread for dunking!

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

📑 Table of Contents ▶

Minestrone Soup Recipe
Minestrone Soup Recipe: A Timeless Classic
Fundamentals
Preparation/setup
Crafting the Perfect Bowl of Minestrone
Technique
Tips/tricks
Enhancing Your Minestrone Experience
Perfecting results
Troubleshooting/variations
Serving the Ultimate Minestrone Experience
Serving/presentation
Pairings/storage
Conclusion
FAQs – Minestrone Soup Recipe

I believe that a good recipe has the power to bring people together, spark joy, and turn ordinary moments into cherished memories. As someone who grew up in a bustling kitchen, I know that the best recipes are often the simplest. My grandmother taught me that a dish like minestrone soup can transform humble ingredients into a heartwarming experience.

Minestrone soup was one of my grandmother’s favorites to make. The aroma of simmering vegetables and hearty broth filled the air, promising comfort with every spoonful. This minestrone soup recipe captures that same warmth, inviting family and friends to gather around the table.

The beauty of minestrone lies in its versatility and ability to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is a canvas for creativity, allowing you to make it your own.

Join me as we explore the art of crafting a delicious minestrone soup, where each step is a testament to the joy of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones.

Minestrone Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Laloti
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Italian

Print Recipe

Description

Discover how to make a delicious minestrone soup with our easy-to-follow recipe. Learn the secrets to a hearty and comforting bowl of Italian goodness!

Ingredients

– 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
– 150 g / 5 oz beef bacon, finely chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 800 g / 28 oz crushed tomato (or 700 g passata)
– 2 cups chicken stock/broth, low sodium (480 ml)
– 2 cups water (480 ml)
– 3 tbsp (45 ml) tomato paste
– 2 tsp (10 ml) Worcestershire sauce
– 400 g / 14 oz canned kidney beans, drained
– 1 tsp (5 ml) EACH salt and pepper
– 1 cup (240 ml) small pasta, like ditalini, tiny shells, risoni/orzo, baby macaroni, alphabet or star pasta
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated cheese
– 1 celery rib*, chopped 1.5 cm / 1/2″ pieces
– 1 large carrot*, peeled and diced 1.5 cm / 1/2″ pieces
– 1 zucchini*, chopped 1.5 cm / 1/2″ pieces
– 1 potato*, cut into 1.5 cm / 1/2″ pieces (peel if needed)
– 100 g / 3 oz green beans*, trimmed then cut into 2 cm / 3/5″ lengths
– 2 oz / 60 g baby spinach (or frozen spinach, kale or similar – can leave out)
– More grated cheese
– Chopped parsley
– Crusty bread for dunking!

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Warm the olive oil in a large pot over high heat.
Add the chopped beef bacon and cook until it begins to brown, about 2 minutes, then toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion.
Continue cooking until the onion becomes clear and the bacon is lightly golden, roughly 2 more minutes.
Incorporate the diced carrot, celery, and zucchini, stirring for 1 minute to let the flavors blend.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, kidney beans, and season with salt and pepper.
Mix everything together, bring it to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and adjust the heat to maintain a gentle bubbling.
Allow it to simmer for 20 minutes, then add in the chopped potato and green beans.
Let it simmer for another 5 minutes before adding the small pasta. Cook according to the pasta package instructions but reduce the cooking time by 1 1/2 minutes.
Take the pot off the heat, and stir in the grated cheese and baby spinach. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the soup with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a dash of parsley if you like. A side of warm crusty bread makes a perfect accompaniment!

Notes

For a vegetarian option, exclude the beef bacon and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a tasty alternative.
Add more vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas to enhance the nutrition and color of the soup.
Prepare the soup up to adding the pasta in advance, then refrigerate and finish cooking when ready to serve for a fresh and hot meal.

Minestrone Soup Recipe: A Timeless Classic

Fundamentals

The foundation of any good minestrone soup recipe lies in its rich broth and fresh vegetables. Start with a base of olive oil, which not only adds depth but also helps in sautéing the key ingredients like beef bacon, onion, and garlic. These elements are essential for building the soup’s flavor profile.

Once the beef bacon begins to brown, the aroma of minced garlic and chopped onion will fill your kitchen, signaling the start of something special. This initial step is crucial for unlocking the flavors that make minestrone a beloved dish across generations.

Preparation/setup

Gather all your ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. Finely chop the beef bacon, onion, and garlic, ensuring each piece is ready to hit the pot. Having your vegetables prepped and ready to go will make the cooking experience more enjoyable and efficient.

With everything in place, heat the olive oil in a large pot over high heat. This step ensures the beef bacon cooks evenly and releases its savory flavor. As you add the garlic and onion, the mixture will start to sizzle, creating a fragrant base for the soup.

Crafting the Perfect Bowl of Minestrone

Technique

Incorporating vegetables like carrot, celery, and zucchini is where the minestrone soup recipe truly shines. These ingredients not only add color but also contribute to the soup’s texture and taste. Stir them in, allowing their flavors to meld with the aromatic base.

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and water. This combination forms the liquid backbone of your soup, creating a hearty and satisfying broth. Adding tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce enhances the depth, while kidney beans bring an element of heartiness that minestrone is known for.

Tips/tricks

To ensure your minestrone soup recipe is perfectly seasoned, don’t forget to add salt and pepper. These simple ingredients can make a world of difference in balancing flavors. As the soup simmers, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

For a thicker soup, consider mashing some of the beans or using a potato masher to break down the vegetables slightly. This technique creates a creamy texture without the need for additional ingredients.

Enhancing Your Minestrone Experience

Perfecting results

After allowing the soup to simmer, it’s time to add the chopped potato and green beans. These vegetables add a delightful crunch and ensure your minestrone soup recipe is as hearty as it is flavorful. Once these ingredients have softened, stir in the small pasta.

To achieve the perfect pasta texture, cook it according to package instructions but reduce the cooking time by 1 1/2 minutes. This ensures the pasta remains al dente even as it continues to cook in the hot soup.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your soup seems too thick, simply add more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce slightly.

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables or beans to suit your taste. The beauty of minestrone lies in its adaptability, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Serving the Ultimate Minestrone Experience

Serving/presentation

Once your minestrone soup recipe is complete, stir in the grated cheese and baby spinach. This finishing touch adds creaminess and a pop of color. Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.

Pair your soup with a side of warm crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal. The bread is perfect for dunking and soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.

Pairings/storage

Minestrone soup pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or a Roasted Tomato Basil Soup for a light and refreshing contrast. For those seeking a more substantial meal, consider adding a Loaded Hamburger Vegetable Soup to your menu.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore its original consistency.

Conclusion

This minestrone soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. With its rich flavors and comforting warmth, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

By following these steps and tips, you can craft a minestrone soup that captures the essence of home cooking. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal, this soup is a testament to the timeless appeal of wholesome, homemade dishes.