Classic Minestrone

Classic Minestrone Recipe from Italy - Vegan and Vegetarian

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Minestrone is a classic Italian soup that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any time of year. This recipe is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it a filling and nutritious meal.

History

Minestrone has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. It originated as a peasant dish, using whatever vegetables were in season and available. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients, but the basic concept of a vegetable and bean soup remains the same.

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil
1 leek, sliced
2 carrots, chopped
1 zucchini, thinly sliced
4 oz (113 g) green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1.5 qt (1.42 liters) vegetable stock, store-bought or homemade
1 lb (454 g) chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
1 (15 oz (425 g)) can cannellini beans, with liquid
0.25 cup elbow macaroni
3 tsp salt, rock or iodized only
3 tsp ground black pepper

How to prepare

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the leek, carrots, zucchini, green beans, and celery.
Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
Combine the vegetable stock, tomatoes, and thyme.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then replace the lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 30 minutes.
Add the cannellini beans with their liquid and pasta. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Transfer some of the contents into a large, fresh bowl.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or sausage for a meatier version of this soup.
Swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as spinach, kale, or bell peppers.
Use different types of beans, such as kidney beans or chickpeas, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop your vegetables evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or beans.

- For a richer flavor, you can add a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this minestrone soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a combination of sautéing and simmering to develop the flavors of the soup. Be sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables or beans in this recipe with your favorites. You can also use different types of pasta or grains in place of the elbow macaroni.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish this minestrone soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 230 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Fats: 7g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. However, it does contain beans, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

This minestrone soup is a nutritious and balanced meal, providing a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Classic Minestrone recipe is a delicious and nutritious soup that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, it is a filling and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Classic Minestrone. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Sophia in her quaint little village in Italy. Sophia was known far and wide for her delicious homemade meals, and she had graciously invited me into her kitchen to watch her prepare one of her signature dishes.

As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and onions sizzling in olive oil. Sophia was bustling about, chopping vegetables and stirring pots with a grace and skill that I could only admire. I watched in awe as she added diced carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pot, followed by a handful of fresh green beans and a generous sprinkling of herbs.

"Ah, bella! You must try my Minestrone," Sophia exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "It is a family recipe passed down for generations."

I eagerly accepted her offer and settled in at the kitchen table as Sophia continued to work her magic. She added a can of diced tomatoes and a generous amount of vegetable broth to the pot, along with a handful of pasta and a can of kidney beans. As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, Sophia regaled me with stories of her childhood in Italy and the recipes she had learned from her mother and grandmother.

Finally, after letting the soup simmer for what felt like an eternity, Sophia ladled out steaming bowls of Minestrone, garnishing each one with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I took a tentative sip and was immediately transported to a rustic farmhouse in the Italian countryside, surrounded by family and laughter.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make Sophia's Classic Minestrone for myself. I begged her for the recipe, promising to cherish it always and pass it down to future generations. Sophia chuckled at my enthusiasm and handed me a weathered old notebook filled with handwritten recipes, including her beloved Minestrone.

Over the years, I have made Sophia's Classic Minestrone countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my own taste. I have added my own twist by using seasonal vegetables from my garden and experimenting with different herbs and spices. Each time I make a pot of Minestrone, I am reminded of that fateful day in Sophia's kitchen and the bond we shared over a shared love of good food and cherished recipes.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of bubbling Minestrone and inhaling the comforting aroma of garlic and herbs, I am filled with gratitude for all the wonderful recipes I have collected over the years. Each one tells a story, a memory of a special moment shared with loved ones and friends. And as I ladle out bowls of steaming soup for my own family, I know that I am passing on a legacy of love and tradition that will endure for generations to come.