Hearty Minestrone Soup 🍲🥦

This hearty minestrone soup is a comforting dish that's brimming with nutritious vegetables, fragrant herbs, and wholesome beans. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe is easy to customize based on seasonal ingredients or what you have on hand. Serve it with crusty bread for a delightful meal that warms both the body and soul! 🍞❤️

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth

For the flavor

• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)

For the garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

🥄 Stir frequently to avoid browning the onion, as this can alter the flavor of your base.

• Add the garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

• Next, stir in the zucchini, green beans, and potato, cooking for an additional 3 minutes.

• Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth, then add the cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.

• Add the pasta to the soup and cook according to package instructions. If using a quick-cooking pasta, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

• Lastly, stir in the spinach or kale and cook until wilted. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

🧂 Adjust the seasoning as needed. You can kick it up a notch with some red pepper flakes or a dash of lemon juice for brightness!

Variations

• Vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but you can enhance the flavor by using a rich vegetable broth.
• Protein-packed: Add cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken for an added protein boost!
• Gluten-free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or skip it altogether and add more beans instead.
• Herbaceous: Include fresh thyme and rosemary for an extra layer of flavor. Just remember to remove the woody stems!

Whether you're looking to feed a crowd or just want a hearty bowl for yourself, this minestrone soup is sure to satisfy! Enjoy! 🍽️✨