How to Cook Classic Italian Minestrone Soup: A Step-by-Step Recipe
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Italian cuisine is famous around the world for its fresh ingredients and simple, delicious recipes. One dish that stands out is minestrone soup—an aromatic, vegetable-packed soup that warms your soul. Minestrone is versatile and easy to customize based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. It’s healthy, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. In this blog, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe for cooking traditional Italian minestrone soup at home.
What Is Minestrone Soup?
Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish made with fresh vegetables, beans, pasta or rice, and delicious herbs. The soup dates back centuries, often made with whatever ingredients families had on hand and tailored to the seasons. The result? A bowl full of comfort that’s nutritious and loaded with flavor!
Now, let’s grab our aprons and jump into the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this classic Italian minestrone soup, you’ll need:
- Vegetables:
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 zucchini (cut into small cubes)
- 1 cup of green beans (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
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1 potato (peeled and diced)
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Canned Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes
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1 can (14 oz) of beans (such as kidney, cannellini, or chickpeas), drained and rinsed
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Pasta or Rice:
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1/2 cup of small pasta (like elbow or ditalini) or 1/2 cup of rice
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Flavor Boosters:
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 2-3 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional Garnishes:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, wash and chop all your vegetables. Having everything ready will make cooking easier and faster. Drain and rinse the canned beans, measure out your pasta or rice, and keep your spices handy.
Step 2: Cook the Base Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes or until they become soft and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add Remaining Vegetables
Once the base vegetables are softened, stir in the zucchini, green beans, and potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors blend together.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth
Pour the canned diced tomatoes and drained beans into the pot. Then, add the vegetable broth and water. Stir everything well. Add your oregano, basil, salt, and pepper at this point. Bring the soup to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. This step is crucial for blending the flavors and softening the potatoes.
Step 6: Add Pasta or Rice
When the vegetables are almost done, stir in the pasta or rice. Continue simmering the soup for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta or rice is fully cooked. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if needed. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
How to Serve Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is best served hot in a deep bowl. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil leaves for an added burst of flavor. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or even garlic bread for a complete Italian experience.
Tips for Making the Perfect Minestrone Soup
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Use Seasonal Vegetables: Minestrone adapts well to what’s fresh. In summer, add more zucchini and tomatoes. In winter, toss in kale or cabbage.
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Don’t Rush the Simmering: Letting the soup simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Feeling Adventurous? Go Homemade: You can use homemade vegetable stock or cook fresh beans instead of canned for extra depth.
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Freeze the Leftovers: Minestrone soup freezes very well! Store any leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic Italian minestrone soup is a great way to feed your family a nutrient-rich meal without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for vegetarians and can easily be adapted for vegans by skipping the Parmesan. Plus, the recipe is forgiving—if you don’t have zucchini, substitute with spinach or broccoli. If you want more protein, toss in some chicken or sausage.
A Bowl of Tradition and Flavor
Cooking classic Italian minestrone soup is like bringing a little part of Italy into your kitchen. It’s healthy, adaptable, and absolutely comforting. Once you make this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s been a favorite for generations.
Try the recipe today, and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking and buon appetito!
