During the chilly months, nothing warms the heart and the home quite like a comforting bowl of Minestrone soup. This classic Italian dish is a hearty mix of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful broth that’s sure to satisfy your craving for something cozy and delicious. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to whip up a pot of soul-warming Minestrone!
**Minestrone Recipe**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 cup green beans, chopped
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5-6 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Stir in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, and pasta. Continue to simmer until the pasta is al dente, following the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes.
5. Season the soup with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
6. Once the pasta is cooked and the flavors have melded, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the Minestrone into bowls and serve hot.
7. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh chopped basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
8. Enjoy your homemade Minestrone soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal that will warm you from the inside out.
Minestrone soup is a versatile recipe that allows you to play with different ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Feel free to add other veggies like spinach, kale, or cabbage for added nutrition and flavor. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a family dinner. Prepare a big pot and enjoy the leftovers for a quick and satisfying lunch the next day. Embrace the simplicity and heartiness of Minestrone soup and let its flavors comfort you during cold days.
