Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. This thick and hearty version is packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and grains, making it not only delicious but also highly nutritious. It’s the perfect meal for cold days, family gatherings, or when you want something filling and satisfying. Let’s explore why making this recipe can enrich your cooking experience and how to prepare this delightful soup at home.
Why Make This Recipe
There are numerous reasons to make thick and hearty minestrone soup. For starters, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce food waste. The ingredients can be easily adjusted based on personal taste or dietary needs.
Additionally, minestrone soup is a one-pot meal which means less cleanup afterward. It’s packed with fibers from the beans and vegetables, contributing to a balanced diet. This soup is a keeper for busy individuals or families, as it can be stored well and enjoyed for days. When you serve this dish, you’re not just offering a meal; you’re providing a bowl of comfort and health, perfect for family gatherings or cold weather.
Lastly, this recipe is simple and requires minimal prep time. Within a little over an hour, you can have a delicious and wholesome soup on the table. What more could you ask for?
How to Make Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup
Making thick and hearty minestrone soup is straightforward, but the flavors it brings are complex and satisfying. Below are the detailed steps and ingredients you’ll need to get started.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup (130g) diced yellow onion
- 1 cup (120g) sliced or diced carrots
- 1 cup (120g) sliced or diced celery
- 1 cup (130g) sliced or diced zucchini
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 6–7 cups (1.5L) vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups (480ml) water
- 2–3 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (15.5-ounce/439g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.5-ounce/439g) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.5-ounce/439g) can green beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5-ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 (6-ounce/170g) can tomato paste
- 1⅓ cups uncooked rice (about 290g) or orzo pasta (240g)
- 3 cups (120g) fresh spinach, chopped
- Optional: Grated parmesan cheese and fresh thyme for serving
Directions:
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In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and garlic. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 6–7 minutes until vegetables soften.
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Add broth, water, red wine vinegar, and bay leaf. Stir in kidney beans, butter beans, green beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil.
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Add rice or orzo, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes until rice/pasta is tender.
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Stir in spinach and simmer for another 5 minutes. Discard bay leaf.
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Serve warm with parmesan and fresh thyme if desired.
How to Serve Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup
Servicing minestrone soup is a delightful experience. Serve it warm in large bowls, allowing its comforting steam to rise. You can garnish the soup with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh thyme to enhance the flavor. For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, offer some crusty bread on the side for dipping. This adds texture and complements the soup’s heartiness nicely.
For larger gatherings, consider setting up a soup bar where guests can customize their own bowls with additional toppings like chili flakes, more cheese, or even a drizzle of olive oil. This interactive element not only makes the meal fun but also invites everyone to enjoy the soup their way.
How to Store Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup
Storing minestrone soup is simple. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent thickening, and give it a good stir.
If you want to store the soup for a longer period, consider freezing it. Make sure it’s cooled completely, then pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. The soup will stay fresh in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup
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Choose Seasonal Vegetables: For the best flavor and nutrition, use vegetables that are in season. This will make your soup even more vibrant and fresh.
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Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add more broth or water when cooking. For a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer without a lid or add more rice.
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Flavor Boosts: Enhance the flavor by using homemade broth if you can, or consider adding a Parmesan rind while it simmers for an extra depth of flavor.
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Cook Time: Ensure that you don’t overcook the spinach. Just a few minutes at the end is sufficient to keep it vibrant and nutritious.
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Meal Prep: This soup is perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch and separate into portions to grab for lunch during the week.
Variations
Minestrone soup offers numerous variations to cater to different tastes or dietary preferences:
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Vegetarian/Vegan: Simply use vegetable broth and omit any animal products. You can also add more beans or lentils for added protein.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or skip the grains entirely and add more beans for heartiness.
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Spicy Version: For those who enjoy a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños while cooking.
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Herb Variations: Fresh basil, parsley, or oregano can replace or supplement Italian seasoning for fresh herbal notes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?
Yes! Frozen vegetables are a convenient option. They are quick to prepare and can be just as nutritious as fresh vegetables.
How long does minestrone soup last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, minestrone soup can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I add meat to my minestrone soup?
Absolutely! You can add cooked sausage or diced chicken to make it even heartier. Brown the meat first in the pot before adding other vegetables.
What are some good side dishes to serve with minestrone?
Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple salad go wonderfully with minestrone soup to complete the meal.
In summary, thick & hearty minestrone soup is not just a dish. It’s a celebration of flavors and nutrition that you can easily customize, making it a perfect addition to any meal rotation. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful soup with family and friends!
Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks celery diced
- 1 medium zucchini diced
Beans and Broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz (410 g)
- 1 can cannellini beans drained and rinsed, 15 oz (425 g)
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed, 15 oz (425 g)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Pasta and Seasoning
- 1 cup small pasta e.g., elbow macaroni or ditalini
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the pasta, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Continue simmering for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.
