Description
A hearty and nourishing Italian-style soup loaded with winter vegetables, beans, pasta, and herbs simmered in a rich tomato broth. This cozy winter minestrone is perfect for cold days, meal prep, and wholesome family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup zucchini or cabbage, chopped
- ½ cup small pasta (ditalini or macaroni)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare the base for the soup.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery to the pot; sauté for 5–6 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if using; cook for 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Add Tomato Paste: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the tomato flavor.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
- Add Root Vegetables and Green Beans: Add the diced potatoes and chopped green beans; bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Vegetables: Cook for 15 minutes until the vegetables start to soften, ensuring flavors meld.
- Add Beans, Zucchini or Cabbage, and Pasta: Stir in the drained cannellini beans, chopped zucchini or cabbage, and small pasta.
- Simmer Until Tender: Continue to simmer for another 10–12 minutes until the pasta is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Season: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Add kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes for extra greens.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Soup thickens as it sits; add additional broth when reheating to adjust consistency.
- The soup freezes well without the pasta; add fresh pasta when reheating for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
