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Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup

Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup
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Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup is a comforting, Italian-inspired soup packed with fresh seasonal vegetables, tender beans, pasta, and a savory tomato broth. Perfect for cozy meals or meal prepping, this soup offers a rich, chunky texture and vibrant flavors that deepen over time. It’s wholesome, easily customizable, and delicious year-round.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Seasonal Vegetables

  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Beans

  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Pasta or Small Grains

  • 1 cup ditalini or small shell pasta

Tomato Base

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree

Herbs and Spices

  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Broth and Oils

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Vegetables: Wash and dice the onions, carrots, celery, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor release.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add carrots and celery, stirring frequently until slightly tender to build the soup’s flavor base.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in crushed tomatoes or tomato puree, then add vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
  4. Incorporate Beans and Pasta: Add drained and rinsed beans along with your choice of pasta or grains. Continue simmering until the pasta is al dente and the beans are heated through, resulting in a thick and hearty texture.
  5. Finish with Herbs and Seasoning: Stir in fresh basil, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow the herbal flavors to bloom before removing from heat and serving.

Notes

  • Use a variety of beans for added texture and complexity.
  • Do not overcook pasta; keep it slightly firm to avoid mushiness.
  • Let the soup rest off heat for 15-20 minutes to deepen flavors.
  • Season gradually, tasting as you go for perfect balance.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve bright, fresh flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: minestrone soup, hearty soup, Italian soup, vegetable soup, bean soup, gluten free minestrone, healthy soup, comfort food

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/thick-hearty-minestrone-soup/