As the sun begins to shine and the flowers bloom, there's no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than with a bowl of vibrant, flavorful Light Spring Minestrone Soup! This delightful Italian classic is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nourishing treat for the body, packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a comforting dish that will leave your taste buds dancing and your heart feeling light. Ready to dive into a recipe that promises to brighten your day? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cooked pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften and release their aromatic flavors.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add diced zucchini and trimmed green beans to the pot. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until vegetables are tender but still retain a slight crispness.
- Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Stir in pre-cooked pasta during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking.
- Remove soup from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves.
- Serve hot and enjoy your light, nutritious spring minestrone soup.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop all your vegetables before you start cooking. This way, you can focus on the cooking process without interruptions.
- Season Gradually: When adding salt and pepper, start with a little and adjust to taste as the soup simmers. This helps you avoid over-seasoning.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. If you can, visit your local farmer's market for seasonal produce.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite spring vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Peas, asparagus, or spinach can make great additions!
- Pasta Perfection: To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl before serving.
- Garnish with Flair: Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma and flavor, but you can also experiment with other herbs like parsley or thyme for a different twist.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for a quick and healthy meal throughout the week. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful spring minestrone soup, and don't forget to share your delicious results!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
