Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Stir in the diced zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and both kinds of beans. Pour in the broth, and add the oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the soup is simmering, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ditalini or your choice of small pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Once the soup has simmered for about 20 minutes and the vegetables are tender, stir in the cooked pasta. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the flavors. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For an extra flavor boost, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a side of crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Minestrone Soup
- Customize Your Vegetables: Minestrone Soup is versatile, so feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have available. Spinach, kale, or peas would all work well.
- Use Different Beans: Don’t have kidney or cannellini beans? You can substitute with chickpeas, black beans, or any other beans you prefer.
- Make It Vegetarian: This recipe can easily be made vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Store Leftovers Separately: If you plan on storing leftovers, keep the pasta separate from the soup to prevent it from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy. You can mix them when reheating.
Conclusion
Minestrone Soup is a wonderful, hearty dish that’s brimming with flavor and loaded with healthy vegetables and beans. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day or serve as a nutritious, light lunch. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to use what you have on hand. Enjoy this classic soup with family and friends, and don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping!
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