Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)
• 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

2. Add the Vegetables and Broth:

1. Stir in the zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and cannellini beans.
2. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried oregano and basil. Stir to combine.
3. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

3. Simmer the Soup:

1. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
2. Cover and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Cook the Pasta:

1. While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

5. Add the Spinach and Pasta:

1. Stir the chopped spinach (or kale) and the cooked pasta into the soup.
2. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the greens to wilt and the flavors to meld together.

6. Serve:

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
2. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and some crusty bread on the side.

7. Enjoy:

1. Minestrone soup is best enjoyed hot and is perfect for a comforting and hearty meal.

Tips:

• Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
• Make it Heartier: You can add cooked Italian sausage or chicken for a more filling meal.
• Leftovers: Minestrone soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

This Minestrone Soup recipe is a versatile and delicious way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a comforting broth. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and can easily be adapted to suit your tastes and the ingredients you have available. Enjoy!