Description
A hearty and nutritious Minestrone Soup packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, simmered in a flavorful tomato broth and finished with grated parmesan cheese. Perfect as a comforting meal for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Others
- 3/4 cup small pasta (elbow, shells, or similar)
- Grated parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and sliced carrots. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes into the pot. Add the drained red kidney beans, white beans, chopped green beans, chopped zucchini, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the small pasta and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes until the pasta is al dente, absorbing some of the soup’s flavors. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.
- Feel free to use any small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or ditalini.
- Adjust the seasoning and Italian herbs based on personal preference.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a heartier meal, serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
