Minestrone Soup

MINESTRONE SOUP RECIPE: THE BEST MINESTRONE SOUP RECIPE YOU’LL EVER MAKE

Minestrone soup is a beloved classic that holds a special place in Italian cuisine. It’s a hearty, comforting, and nourishing dish, perfect for every season, and it is so versatile that you can change up the ingredients depending on what’s in season or what you have available in your pantry. This minestrone soup recipe will show you step-by-step how to make the best minestrone soup recipe you’ve ever tasted.

It’s packed with vibrant vegetables, creamy beans, and tender pasta, all simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you are looking for a satisfying family meal or something to impress guests, this recipe for minestrone soup is the one to follow!

Let’s dive in and explore the world of minestrone soup, from its origins to the perfect ingredients, and finally how to make the best minestrone soup recipe. With every bite, you’ll experience the richness of Italian culinary tradition combined with fresh, seasonal produce.

WHAT IS MINESTRONE SOUP?

Minestrone soup, with its roots in Italy, is more than just a simple vegetable soup. The name comes from the Italian word minestra, meaning “soup,” but minestrone soup is far from basic. The “one” at the end of minestrone refers to the “big” variety of ingredients found in this dish. It’s a soup that can include just about any vegetable, beans, pasta, and sometimes meat, depending on the region and the cook’s preferences.

The essential components are a savory base of olive oil, onions, garlic, and a variety of vegetables—often tomatoes, carrots, celery, and zucchini. While the soup varies by region and season, the key feature of minestrone soup is its use of a vegetable broth that’s rich in flavor and depth.

One of the most unique aspects of minestrone soup is its flexibility. There is no one “correct” way to make it—each cook brings their own touch to this traditional Italian dish, adapting it to available ingredients. This is why minestrone soup recipe variations are endless, from those made in the summer with fresh tomatoes and beans to more robust versions made in the winter with root vegetables, potatoes, and dark greens.

Whether you’re looking for a simple vegetable-based minestrone soup recipe or one that includes sausage or bacon, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your hunger.

WHY THIS MINESTRONE SOUP RECIPE IS THE BEST

You might be wondering, “What makes this minestrone soup recipe the best one?” The answer lies in the combination of the following factors:

1. Fresh Ingredients: This recipe for minestrone soup uses seasonal, fresh vegetables to bring vibrant flavors to the soup.
2. Flavorful Broth: The broth is the foundation of any great soup, and this one is made with a mix of tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a vegetable base. It’s simple yet full of depth.
3. Balanced Texture: From the softness of the beans and pasta to the slight crunch of carrots and celery, this soup offers a wonderful combination of textures that makes it enjoyable with every bite.
4. Healthful and Hearty: Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup is incredibly nutritious. The beans provide protein, the vegetables add fiber, and the pasta helps fill you up.
5. Versatility: The best minestrone soup recipe is customizable. Whether you want to add more greens, switch out the pasta, or make a vegetarian version, this recipe accommodates all types of dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
6. Simplicity: Despite the number of ingredients and steps, this recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. It’s straightforward but results in a professional-quality soup.

Let’s dive into the minestrone soup recipe itself, which will allow you to create the best version of this Italian classic.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE BEST MINESTRONE SOUP RECIPE

The ingredients used in this minestrone soup recipe are simple, but when combined, they create a complex, savory flavor profile. The soup contains a mix of vegetables, beans, and pasta, along with a richly flavored broth. The ingredients are as follows:

MAIN INGREDIENTS

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil adds richness to the soup and helps sauté the vegetables to bring out their natural flavors.
• Onions: 1 large onion, chopped. Onions form the base of most Italian dishes and are essential in creating the soup’s savory flavor.
• Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced. Carrots provide sweetness and texture to the soup.
• Celery: 2 celery stalks, diced. Celery adds an aromatic crunch that balances the other softer vegetables.
• Zucchini: 1 medium zucchini, diced. Zucchini adds a tender texture without overpowering the other flavors.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Garlic brings a deep, earthy flavor to the broth and complements the other vegetables.
• Tomatoes: 2 large fresh tomatoes, chopped, or 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes. Tomatoes contribute tanginess and form the rich base of the broth.
• Vegetable broth: 4-5 cups. You can use chicken broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian version, but vegetable broth makes this soup vegetarian-friendly.
• Cannellini beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed. Cannellini beans (or any other white beans) provide protein and bulk to the soup, making it more filling.
• Pasta: 1 cup of small pasta (like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or farfalle). Pasta adds texture and heartiness to the soup, helping it feel like a full meal.
• Spinach or kale: 2 cups, chopped. Dark leafy greens provide a burst of nutrients and a lovely contrast in color.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, for serving. Parmesan adds a salty, umami finish that elevates the soup.

SEASONINGS AND EXTRAS

• Bay leaves: 1-2 leaves. Bay leaves give the soup a delicate, herby flavor.
• Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon, or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme. These are the essential Italian herbs that will give the soup an authentic flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. These seasonings will help you balance the soup’s flavors and bring out the best in each item.
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon. A touch of lemon juice will add brightness and help cut through the richness of the broth.
• Fresh herbs: For garnish, fresh basil, parsley, or thyme. These herbs are added just before serving to give the soup a fresh, herbal finish.

OPTIONAL ADD-INS

• Meat: If you want a non-vegetarian version of minestrone soup, consider adding 1/2 pound of Italian sausage or pancetta when sautéing the vegetables for a rich, meaty flavor.
• Other vegetables: Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables like green beans, peas, or squash.
• Potatoes: Add 1-2 diced potatoes for a heartier version of the soup, which is especially great in the fall and winter months.

With these ingredients gathered, you are ready to make the best minestrone soup recipe.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST MINESTRONE SOUP RECIPE

Follow these simple steps to create the best minestrone soup recipe:

STEP 1: SAUTÉ THE VEGETABLES

Warm two tablespoons olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the onions to become translucent. This step is essential for developing a rich base for the soup.

STEP 2: ADD GARLIC AND TOMATOES

Once the vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Take care not to burn the garlic, since it can turn bitter. Next, add the chopped fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and form a thick, rich base for the soup.

STEP 3: POUR IN THE BROTH AND ADD BEANS

Now, add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans (or any other beans you prefer). Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beans to soften.

STEP 4: ADD PASTA AND GREENS

Once the broth has developed a rich flavor, add the pasta and greens. Stir in the pasta of your choice, and cook it according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes. Add the chopped spinach or kale, and stir it into the soup, allowing it to wilt and soften.

STEP 5: SEASON TO TASTE

At this time, test the soup and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the Italian seasoning and, if you like, a tablespoon of lemon juice to balance the richness of the broth. Adjust the seasonings until the flavors are ideal.

STEP 6: FINISH AND SERVE

Remove the pot from the heat once everything has been thoroughly cooked and seasoned. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh herbs, like basil or parsley. Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for the perfect meal.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST MINESTRONE SOUP

Here are some additional tips to ensure your minestrone soup recipe turns out perfectly:

TIP 1: USE FRESH, SEASONAL INGREDIENTS

Fresh, seasonal vegetables make a huge difference in the flavor of minestrone soup. Whenever possible, use local produce that is in season for the best results.

TIP 2: ADD A BOUQUET GARNI FOR EXTRA FLAVOR

Consider using a bouquet garni, which is a bundle of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley tied together. You can add it to the soup while it simmers and remove it before serving. It’s an easy way to add depth of flavor without having to fish out individual herbs later.

TIP 3: MAKE IT VEGAN OR MEATY

For a vegan version of minestrone soup, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth. If you prefer a meaty version, try adding Italian sausage or pancetta when you sauté the vegetables.

TIP 4: COOK THE PASTA SEPARATELY

If you plan on making extra soup for leftovers, cook the pasta separately. This will prevent the pasta from absorbing all the broth and becoming mushy when stored. Add the cooked pasta just before serving.

CONCLUSION

This minestrone soup recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a delicious, comforting meal filled with fresh vegetables, creamy beans, tender pasta, and a rich, savory broth. With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you make it as a vegetarian dish or with a little sausage for added richness, this minestrone soup recipe will satisfy your hunger and warm you up from the inside out.