Homemade Minestrone Soup Recipe

Minestrone is a timeless classic, brimming with vibrant vegetables, hearty beans, and comforting Italian flavors. Whether you're looking for a healthy meal, aiming to use up leftover produce, or simply craving a warm, nutrient-packed bowl of goodness, minestrone is the perfect choice.

This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to make an authentic minestrone from scratch, offering insights into the ingredients, techniques, and variations that make it a household favorite.

What is Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone is a traditional Italian vegetable soup that has been enjoyed for centuries. Rooted in Italian rustic cuisine, this dish is incredibly versatile, adapting to whatever ingredients are on hand. Although there is no single "right way" to make minestrone, it typically features seasonal vegetables, beans, pasta, or rice, and a flavorful broth infused with herbs.

The beauty of minestrone lies in its simplicity and adaptability, making it an ideal option for home cooks and health-conscious individuals alike.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and protein, it’s a well-rounded meal in a bowl.
• Easy to Customize: Perfect for vegetarians, and vegans, and can even include meat if desired.
• Budget-Friendly: Make great use of pantry staples and leftover produce.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Minestrone tastes even better the next day, so it’s an excellent option for make-ahead meals.

Follow this recipe to create a delicious, wholesome minestrone that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before you begin, gather these key ingredients. Adjust based on dietary preferences or what you have available.

Vegetables:

• Onion: 1 medium, finely diced
• Carrots: 2, chopped
• Celery: 2 stalks, sliced
• Zucchini: 1, diced
• Green Beans: 1 cup, trimmed and chopped
• Spinach or Kale: 2 cups, chopped (optional for added greens)

Base Ingredients:

• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz)
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable Broth: 6 cups (or chicken broth for non-vegetarians)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons

Legumes & Grains:

• Canned Cannellini Beans: 1 can, rinsed and drained
• Small Pasta (e.g., Ditalini): 1 cup (or substitute with rice or quinoa)

Seasonings:

• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
• Bay Leaf: 1
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Fresh Basil: To garnish (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Parmesan Cheese: For a savory, umami finish
• Cooked Sausage or Pancetta: For added protein (if non-vegetarian)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, chop all vegetables, rinse the beans, and measure out spices and broth. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Base

Add tomato paste to the pot, stirring until it coats the vegetables evenly. Pour in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Beans

Once the base is simmering, add in the zucchini, green beans, and cannellini beans. Cover and let it cook on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta to the soup pot and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). If using gluten-free pasta or other grains like rice or quinoa, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Pro Tip:

If you plan to store leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it directly to individual servings. This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much broth and becoming overly soft.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about minestrone is its flexibility. Here are some ideas to customize it to your taste:

• Gluten-Free: Swap out pasta for quinoa or a gluten-free alternative.
• Vegan: Skip the Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast for a similar savory touch.
• Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken, turkey, or tofu.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporate squash, peas, or corn depending on the time of year.

Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Minestrone pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh side salad. For a true Italian-inspired meal, serve alongside a glass of Chianti or a sparkling San Pellegrino.

Why Make Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone isn’t just food—it’s an experience. Every spoonful tells a story of Italian tradition, balanced nutrition, and the joy of cooking something homemade. This recipe allows you to experiment with flavors while offering a nourishing meal for you and your loved ones.

Take Your Cooking to the Next Level

Cooking minestrone is as much about expression as it is about sustenance. Try this recipe to explore the vibrant, comforting flavors of Italy, and don't forget to share it with fellow food lovers!

If you'd like to explore more recipes or ask questions about cooking techniques, feel free to drop a comment below or check out other recipes from our blog. Happy cooking!