Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of soup on a cold day. One of the best soups that you can enjoy year-round is Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe.

This rich, hearty, and flavorful soup is not only filling but also packed with nutrients from a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta.

It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel at home, whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it up at a family gathering.

What makes Minestrone Soup so special is its flexibility. You can customize the ingredients based on what’s in season, what you have on hand, or what suits your taste.

Whether you prefer a more tomato-based broth or a lighter vegetable broth, Minestrone has something for everyone.

In this blog, I’m going to share with you a simple, delicious Classic Minestrone Soup recipe that will make you fall in love with this classic dish just like I did.

What is a Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe?

Minestrone Soup is a traditional Italian soup made with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta. The soup’s name, “minestrone,” means “big soup” in Italian, and it’s no surprise given that the dish is often packed with so many hearty ingredients.

The base is typically made from onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes, and it’s then enriched with beans like cannellini or kidney beans. Small pasta shapes, like elbow macaroni or ditalini, are often added to make it even more filling.

The beauty of Minestrone is in its flexibility. The soup can change with the seasons. In the winter, you may use more root vegetables like potatoes and parsnips, while in the summer, you can add in more fresh zucchini, peas, or green beans.

The broth can also be customized—some prefer a tomato-based broth, while others might opt for a lighter vegetable stock. The best part is that no matter how you prepare it, Minestrone is always a delicious, filling meal.

How Classic Minestrone Soup Taste Like

Classic Minestrone Soup has a warm, comforting taste with a delicious balance of flavors. The broth is rich and savory, with a slight sweetness from the carrots and onions, balanced by the acidity of the tomatoes.

The beans add a nice creaminess to the soup, while the pasta provides a satisfying texture. Each spoonful brings a burst of flavor from the vegetables, herbs, and garlic, and the final touch of grated Parmesan cheese adds a bit of saltiness and depth to the dish.

What’s great about Minestrone is that it’s not overly spicy but is full of herbs and seasonings that elevate the taste. If you love a good, hearty soup that’s packed with layers of flavor, Minestrone Soup is the perfect dish.

You can enjoy it as a light lunch or as a main meal. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal recipe for leftovers.

When was I First Introduced to Classic Minestrone Soup?

I was first introduced to Classic Minestrone Soup on a rainy evening when I was visiting a close friend’s home for dinner.

She had made a big pot of soup, and the whole house smelled amazing. The combination of fresh vegetables, savory broth, and aromatic herbs was too irresistible.

I remember taking that first spoonful and feeling the warmth fill my body. It was exactly what I needed to shake off the chill of the evening, and the flavors were so comforting and rich.

From that moment, I was hooked. I had to know how to make this soup myself. It became a regular part of my meal rotation, especially during the colder months.

The more I made it, the more I learned how to adjust the ingredients to suit my taste, whether adding a bit more garlic for an extra kick or using seasonal vegetables for a fresh twist.

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven (for cooking the soup)
• Wooden Spoon (for stirring the ingredients)
• Measuring Spoons and Cups (to measure ingredients accurately)
• Knife and Chopping Board (to chop vegetables)
• Grater (for grated Parmesan cheese) (for serving) (Optional) 

Ingredients to Make Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe

• Olive Oil = 02 tablespoons 
• Onion = 01 medium (diced)
• Carrots = 02 medium (peeled and chopped)
• Celery Stalks = 02 (chopped)
• Garlic = 03 cloves (minced)
• Tomatoes = 01 can (14.5 oz) (diced) 
• Cannellini Beans = 01 can (15 oz) (drained and rinsed)
• Vegetable = 04 cups (broth) (or chicken broth)
• Small Pasta = 1 ½ cups (like elbow macaroni) (ditalini) or (small shells)
• Zucchini = 01 (chopped)
• Green Beans = 01 cup (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
• Oregano = 01 teaspoon (dried) 
• Basil = 01 teaspoon (dried) 
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (for garnish) (Optional)

How to Make Classic Minestrone Soup

Step by Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

• Wash, peel, and chop the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans. Mince the garlic.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot. 
• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. 
• Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

• Add the minced garlic to the pot. 
• Sauté for 1 minute. 
• Stir in dried oregano and basil.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

• Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice). 
• Pour in the vegetable broth and stir. 
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat.

Step 5: Add Beans, Pasta, and Vegetables

• Add the cannellini beans, pasta, zucchini, and green beans. 
• Stir well and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Step 6: Season to Taste

• Taste the soup and add salt and pepper. 
• Add red pepper flakes for extra flavor, if desired.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the soup into bowls. 
• Top with grated Parmesan cheese. 
• Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Servings and Preparation Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount Per Servings)
Calories	250-300 kcal
Protein	9-12 g
Carbohydrates	40-45 g
Fiber	6-8 g
Sugar	5-8 g
Fat	7-10 g
Saturated fat	1-2 g
Cholesterol	5-10 mg
Sodium	600-800 mg (varies based on broth used)
Potassium	700-800 mg
Calcium	60-100 mg (with Parmesan cheese)
Iron	3-5 mg

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and Minerals	Value
Vitamin A	70-90 % of Daily Value (from carrots, zucchini, and other vegetables)
Vitamin C	20-30 % of Daily Value (from tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans)
Vitamin K	15-20 % of Daily Value (from green beans and zucchini)
Folate (Vitamin B9)	10-15 % of Daily Value (from beans, carrots, and celery)
Vitamin E	5-10 % of Daily Value (from olive oil and beans)
B Vitamins (B1, B2, B6)	10-15 % of Daily Value (from beans, carrots, and zucchini)
Potassium	700-800 mg (helps with fluid balance and muscle function, from beans, carrots, and zucchini)
Calcium	60-100 mg (with Parmesan cheese, helps with bone health)
Iron	3-5 mg (important for red blood cell production, from beans and green vegetables)
Magnesium	30-40 mg (from beans, green beans, and zucchini)
Phosphorus	50-70 mg (from beans and pasta)
Zinc	1-2 mg (from beans and broth)

Health Benefits

• High Fiber: The combination of beans, vegetables, and pasta provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and zucchini are rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other phytonutrients that help combat inflammation and boost immunity.
• Good Source of Protein: Cannellini beans are a great source of plant-based protein, making this soup a filling and satisfying meal, especially for vegetarians.
• Bone Health: With calcium and magnesium from beans and vegetables, along with the optional Parmesan cheese, this soup can contribute to healthy bones.

Overall, Classic Minestrone Soup is a nutrient-packed, hearty meal that provides a great balance of essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients. It supports overall health, boosts immunity, and provides long-lasting energy.

Recipe Tips

• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as potatoes, spinach, or kale. You can also swap the zucchini for other summer squash.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil and oregano available, use them instead of dried for an even fresher flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta.
• Add Meat: If you prefer a non-vegetarian version, you can add some cooked chicken or sausage to the soup for extra protein.

FAQs

Can I make Minestrone Soup in advance?

Yes, Minestrone Soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.

Can I freeze Minestrone Soup?

Yes, you can freeze Minestrone Soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out the pasta, as it can become mushy when reheated. Add the pasta in after thawing and reheating the soup.

Can I make Minestrone Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! This soup is naturally vegetarian. Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What To Serve with Classic Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, such as a baguette or rustic sourdough, which is perfect for dipping.

You can also serve it with a light salad made with mixed greens and a simple vinaigrette. If you want something a little more hearty, a grilled cheese sandwich on the side would make a classic combination.

For a complete meal, add a few slices of fresh, ripe avocado or a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for extra flavor.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration

• How to Store: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps preserve its flavor and prevents condensation from making it watery.
• How Long It Lasts: Minestrone Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to meld together, often making it taste even better the next day!
• Reheating: When reheating, do so on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a bit more broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

Freezing

• How to Store: If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving out the pasta when making the soup. Pasta can become mushy once frozen and thawed. Add the pasta after you’ve reheated the soup.
• Freezing Method: Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Make sure to label the containers with the date.
• How Long It Lasts: Minestrone Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thawing and Reheating: To thaw, place the soup in the refrigerator overnight or reheat it from frozen on the stovetop, adding the cooked pasta once the soup is heated through.

Storage for Ingredients

• Vegetables (chopped or prepared): Keep prepped vegetables in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. This saves time when making the soup.
• Beans: If you’re using canned beans, store any leftover beans in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve cooked your beans from scratch, they’ll keep for 3-4 days as well.

Tips for Freshness

When storing the soup, try to avoid storing it with the cheese already mixed in if you plan to store it for an extended period. Add fresh Parmesan or any other toppings just before serving to maintain the flavor and texture.

For an extra boost of freshness after reheating, you can stir in some fresh herbs (like basil or parsley) just before serving.

Storing the soup well ensures you can enjoy it later while preserving its great flavor!

Concluding Remarks

Classic Minestrone Soup is a perfect dish that combines heartiness, flavor, and warmth in every spoonful.

Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or as a cozy dinner, this soup will not disappoint. Try it out and enjoy the delightful, comforting flavors that will make your meal extra special!

Enjoy your Cooking Adventure with Munchiie!

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