Diet-Friendly Minestrone Soup 🌱🥣

This delightful minestrone soup is both nourishing and satisfying, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without the guilt. Packed with vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, it’s a colorful dish that caters to various dietary preferences. Best of all, it’s easy to make and can be customized based on what you have in your pantry.

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

For the protein

• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (or whole wheat pasta)

For seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of half a lemon
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened.

🧄 Don’t rush this step; the aromatics are essential for a flavorful base. If you're avoiding oil, feel free to sauté with a splash of vegetable broth instead!

• Add the zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the veggies are tender.

• Stir in the cannellini beans and cooked quinoa (or pasta) and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.

🌾 Quinoa is a great choice for added protein and fiber; plus, it's gluten-free! If using pasta, make sure it's whole grain for added nutrition.

• Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

🍋 The lemon juice adds a bright flavor without extra calories! Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Variations

• Low-carb: Substitute quinoa or pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
• Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but feel free to enhance it with extra veggies or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of a kick! 🌶️
• Freezer-friendly: This soup freezes well, so make a big batch and freeze portions for busy days. Just don't add the quinoa/pasta until reheating!

This Diet-Friendly Minestrone Soup is not only good for you but warms the soul on a chilly day. Enjoy it with a slice of whole grain bread for a complete meal! 🥖❤️