Description
Discover the heartwarming recipe for Olive Garden vegetable soup, packed with fresh veggies and savory flavors. Perfect for a comforting meal any time of the year!
Ingredients
- – 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- – 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- – 2 medium carrots, chopped
- – 2 medium celery ribs, chopped
- – 2 medium zucchini, diced into small cubes
- – 6 garlic cloves, minced
- – 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth
- – 3 cups (720 ml) water
- – 1 can (28 ounces (794 g)) diced tomatoes
- – 1/4 cup (60 ml) tomato paste
- – 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Italian seasoning
- – 1 can (15 ounces (425 g)) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- – 1 can (15 ounces (425 g)) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- – Beef broth **optional**
- – 1 cup (240 ml) small shells pasta
- – 2 cups (480 ml) baby spinach
- – 2 teaspoons (10 ml) fresh lemon juice
- – 1 teaspoon (5 ml) black pepper
- – 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) salt
- – Freshly grated beef and fresh chopped parsley for serving and garnish
Instructions
- Warm the extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium flame.
- Introduce the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables become soft and see-through.
- Incorporate the diced zucchini and minced garlic, cooking for another minute.
- Mix in the canned diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, water, tomato paste, and Italian herbs. Blend everything together.
- Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil.
- Add both types of beans and the small shell pasta to the saucepan. Stir everything thoroughly.
- Let the mixture continue to gently bubble for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta and vegetables are nicely softened.
- Adjust the flavor with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
- Mix in the baby spinach and fresh lemon juice, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Finish by garnishing the soup with freshly grated beef and a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Consider using beef broth for a richer flavor.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente by testing frequently.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture.
