Hearty Italian Vegetable Minestrone (Printable)

Comforting Italian soup with pasta, beans, and fresh vegetables in aromatic herb broth.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 celery stalks, diced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
08 - 1 cup baby spinach or chopped kale

→ Base & Liquids

09 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
10 - 6 cups vegetable broth
11 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Pasta & Beans

12 - 3/4 cup small pasta such as ditalini or elbow
13 - 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Herbs & Seasonings

14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
16 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
17 - 1 bay leaf
18 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley plus additional for garnish

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced zucchini, and green beans. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
04 - Add small pasta and drained beans to the simmering broth. Cook for 10 minutes or until pasta reaches al dente texture.
05 - Stir in spinach or kale and fresh parsley. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until leafy greens become tender and wilted.
06 - Remove bay leaf from pot. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with additional fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It is packed with a variety of colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables and fiber-rich beans.
  • The recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be easily adapted for vegan or gluten-free diets.
  • One-pot preparation means minimal cleanup and a straightforward cooking process.
  • The flavors deepen over time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or next-day leftovers.
02 -
  • Be sure to rinse the canned beans thoroughly before adding them to ensure the broth remains clear and the flavors stay balanced.
  • Cook the pasta until it is just al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly in the residual heat of the soup.
  • Always check ingredient labels for your broth and pasta if you need to ensure the dish is strictly gluten-free or allergen-safe.
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