Easy Hearty Minestrone Soup for Cozy Nights

This Minestrone Soup is a comforting meal packed with vegetables and beans, perfect for cozy nights.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: soups

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Base

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil use vegetable oil if unavailable
1 count yellow onion or shallots for a milder flavor
2 count carrots or parsnips for a similar texture
2 count celery stalks or fennel for a great alternative
to taste teaspoon sea salt adjust according to taste
to taste teaspoon black pepper freshly ground offers the best flavor
3 cloves garlic grated preferred for better flavor

For the Soup

1 can canned diced tomatoes use fresh Roma tomatoes in summer
1 cup cooked white beans or kidney beans chickpeas are a great substitution
1 cup chopped green beans zucchini or peas can be swapped
4 cups vegetable broth opt for homemade or low-sodium

For the Seasoning

2 count bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano fresh herbs can substitute
1 teaspoon dried thyme fresh herbs can substitute

For the Heartiness

1 cup small pasta (e.g., elbows, orecchiette; gluten-free if preferred)
1 bunch fresh parsley for garnish; basil is an alternative
to taste teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
to taste tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese optional; nutritional yeast for vegan

Equipment

large pot

Method

Cooking Steps

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 8 minutes until softened.
Stir in grated garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add canned tomatoes, beans, green beans, vegetable broth, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook covered for 20 minutes.
Uncover and stir in the small pasta. Simmer for another 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
Season with additional salt and pepper, stir in parsley and optional red pepper flakes.
Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley and optional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze without pasta for up to 3 months.

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