Soup > Italian Soups > Classic Italian Soups

Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup small pasta, such as ditalini or elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Soup bowls

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

2. Add carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.

3. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20-25 minutes.

5. Add pasta to the pot and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.

6. Serve hot in soup bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing, high heat for boiling, low heat for simmering.
Serving size:
This recipe makes 6 servings.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 240
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 3mg
Sodium: 1029mg
Total Carbohydrate: 41g
Dietary Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 12g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of canned beans in place of kidney beans, such as cannellini or chickpeas.
- If you don't have vegetable broth, you can use chicken broth or water instead.
- You can use any type of small pasta in place of ditalini or elbow macaroni, such as small shells or orzo.

Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the soup for added nutrition.
- Use diced potatoes instead of pasta for a heartier soup.
- Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for a meaty version of the soup.

Tips and tricks:
- To save time, chop all the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add more pasta or reduce the amount of broth used.
- For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve soup in colorful soup bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Garnishes:
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil
- Croutons
- Drizzle of olive oil

Pairings:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread
- Salad with a tangy vinaigrette

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Antipasto platter
- Bruschetta

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
- If the soup is too salty, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the soup to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator or freezer promptly to prevent bacterial growth.

Food history:
Minestrone soup is a traditional Italian soup that dates back to the Roman Empire. It was originally made with whatever vegetables were in season and often included beans and pasta.

Flavor profiles:
This soup is savory and slightly sweet, with a hint of acidity from the tomatoes. The vegetables add a hearty texture and the Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Serve this soup as a main course for lunch or dinner, accompanied by a side dish or salad. It's also a great option for a cozy night in or a chilly day.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Hearty, Herbal, Vegetal, Rich, Comforting