Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s a hearty soup that’s perfect for cool fall and winter days, and it’s vegan-friendly too! In this article, we’ll be sharing our ultimate minestrone soup recipe along with tips for making the perfect bowl of soup.
History of Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. The word “minestrone” comes from the Italian word “minestra,” which means “soup.” The first recorded recipe for minestrone soup dates back to the mid-16th century, and it has been a popular dish in Italy ever since.
Ingredients for Minestrone Soup
To make a delicious pot of minestrone soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes
- 6 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 cup of pasta
- 1 can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions for Making Minestrone Soup
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they become fragrant.
- Add the carrots and celery and sauté for another 5 minutes.
- Add the zucchini and yellow squash and sauté for another 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot.
- Stir in the bay leaves, oregano, and basil.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Add the pasta and cannellini beans and cook until the pasta is tender (around 10-12 minutes).
- Remove the bay leaves from the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional information for one serving of our minestrone soup recipe:
- Calories: 293
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 11g
- Fiber: 11g
Variations on Minestrone Soup
If you want to mix up your minestrone soup recipe, here are a few variations to try:
Meat-Based Minestrone Soup
For those who aren’t vegan or vegetarian, adding some meat to your minestrone soup can be a great way to add even more flavor. Try adding some diced pancetta or ground beef to your soup for a heartier dish.
Winter Vegetable Minestrone Soup
In the winter months, swap out some of the summer vegetables for heartier winter vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes. You can also add some kale or spinach for extra greens.
Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
For a hands-off approach, try making your minestrone soup in a slow cooker. Simply combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
Gluten-Free Minestrone Soup
To make a gluten-free version of this soup, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
Conclusion
Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a meat-eater, there’s a minestrone soup recipe out there for you. Try out our ultimate minestrone soup recipe and see how delicious this soup can be.
FAQs
1. Is Minestrone Soup Vegan?
Our ultimate minestrone soup recipe is vegan-friendly. However, some variations of minestrone soup may contain meat or dairy products.
2. What Vegetables Can I Use in Minestrone Soup?
Minestrone soup typically includes a mix of carrots, celery, zucchini, tomatoes, and beans, but you can add in any vegetables that you like. Some popular additions include mushrooms, spinach, kale, and potatoes.
3. How Long Will Minestrone Soup Last in the Fridge?
Minestrone soup will last up to four days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
4. Can I Make Minestrone Soup in a Pressure Cooker?
Yes, you can make minestrone soup in a pressure cooker. Simply follow the directions for sautéing the vegetables and then add all of the ingredients to the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, then release the pressure manually.
5. What Can I Serve with Minestrone Soup?
Minestrone soup is a hearty dish that’s perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or even some grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping.
