Are you craving a soul-warming, nutritious meal that will transport you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy? Look no further than this incredible Hearty Minestrone Soup – a vibrant, vegetable-packed masterpiece that promises to tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body! Imagine a steaming bowl of rich, flavorful broth loaded with colorful vegetables, hearty beans, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese that will make your family beg for seconds. This isn't just a soup; it's a culinary journey that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Stir in diced zucchini and green beans, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add kidney beans, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal. Soup can be stored in refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Tips
- Vegetable Prep is Key: Chop all vegetables to roughly the same size to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Layer Your Flavors: Sauté your aromatics (onions, carrots, celery) slowly to develop a deep, rich base flavor before adding other ingredients.
- Don't Rush the Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently to let the herbs and vegetables release their full flavor potential.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh spinach added at the very end to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables or add a protein like diced chicken or Italian sausage.
- Storage Tip: This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, so don't hesitate to make a big batch!
- Serving Suggestion: A crusty piece of bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up all the delicious broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 3mg
