Description
Discover how to make a delicious Rustic Minestrone Soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy nights at home. Follow our easy recipe now!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, halved and sliced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) tomato paste
- 2 tsp (10 ml) minced garlic
- 1 14-oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained (see note)
- 1 15-oz. can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (240 ml) frozen cut green beans
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth
- 1 tsp (5 ml) dried basil
- 1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (5 ml) dried thyme
- 1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp (1 ml) red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) small pasta, such as ditalini, orecchiette, or elbows
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups (480 ml) fresh spinach leaves
- {for topping} freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- {for topping} fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- In a pot that holds at least 4 quarts, pour in vegetable oil and set to medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, zucchini, and tomato paste. Cook, stirring from time to time, for 6-7 minutes until the onions become tender.
- Mix in minced garlic, undrained diced tomatoes, both types of drained and rinsed beans, frozen green beans, bay leaves, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined, then increase the heat to bring it to a gentle boil.
- When it begins to boil, lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Introduce the pasta and chopped parsley to the mix; stir until all elements are well mixed. Keep simmering for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
- Stir in the fresh spinach leaves until they are fully integrated. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts.
- Top the soup with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Consider adding more bell peppers or mushrooms for a heartier soup.
- Enhance the flavor by using fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular ones.
- Adjust salt and red pepper flakes to taste, and swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a twist.
