This easy minestrone soup recipe is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any season. Packed with a variety of vegetables and beans, it's both nutritious and delicious, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome meal.
While most ingredients for this minestrone soup recipe are common, you might need to check the seasoning aisle for vegetarian chicken flavor seasoning. Additionally, some supermarkets may place cannellini beans, and Italian style tomatoes in specialty sections.
Ingredients for Easy Minestrone Soup
Olive oil: A healthy fat used for sautéing the vegetables.
Garlic: Adds a robust flavor to the soup.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and color to the soup.
Italian style tomatoes: Tomatoes with herbs for extra flavor.
Cannellini beans: Creamy, white beans that add protein.
Kidney beans: Red beans that add texture and protein.
Green beans: Adds a fresh crunch.
Zucchini: Adds a mild flavor and soft texture.
Parsley: A herb that adds a fresh taste.
Basil: Adds a sweet and savory note.
Oregano: A robust herb that enhances flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for an authentic taste.
Bay leaves: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
Vegetarian chicken flavor seasoning: Adds a savory depth without meat.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a hint of heat.
One reader, Corrie Dean says:
This easy minestrone soup recipe is fantastic! The flavors blend perfectly, and it's so simple to make. The mix of beans and veggies makes it hearty and nutritious. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Cooking Techniques for Minestrone Soup
How to heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers. How to sauté vegetables: Cook garlic, onion, and carrots in the heated olive oil for about 5 minutes until they are just tender. How to add canned ingredients: Pour the tomatoes with juice, cannellini beans, and kidney beans into the saucepan. Fill each empty can with water and add the water to the saucepan. How to mix in additional vegetables and seasonings: Add green beans and zucchini to the saucepan. Sprinkle in parsley, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, chicken-style seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Stir well. How to bring soup to a boil and simmer: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the saucepan and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes.
How To Make Easy Minestrone Soup
A quick and comforting Italian dish, this minestrone soup comes with beans, tomatoes, and zucchini simmered in a flavorful broth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1tbspgarlic,minced
- 1onion,thinly sliced
- 2largecarrots,diced
- 29ozItalian style tomatoes,(1 can), stewed
- 15ozcannellini beans,(1 can)
- 15ozkidney beans,(1 can)
- 15ozgreen beans,(1 can), drained
- 1small zucchini,sliced
- ¼tspparsley,dried
- 1pinchbasil,dried
- 1pinchoregano,dried
- 1pinchItalian seasoning
- 2bay leaves
- 2tbspvegetarian chicken flavor seasoning
- 1pinchcayenne pepper
Instructions
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In a large 4 to 5 quart saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Mix in garlic, onion, and carrots. Saute the vegetables for approximately 5 minutes until just tender.
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Add tomatoes with juice, cannellini beans, and kidney beans to the saucepan. Fill each can with water, and add the water to the saucepan.
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Mix in green beans and zucchini. Sprinkle parsley, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, chicken-style seasoning, and cayenne pepper into the soup. Stir well.
-
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover, and let simmer for 30 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 440.49kcal
- Fat: 4.80g
- Saturated Fat: 0.77g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.60g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.00g
- Carbohydrates: 76.49g
- Fiber: 25.10g
- Sugar: 8.66g
- Protein: 27.53g
- Sodium: 44.43mg
- Calcium: 259.93mg
- Potassium: 2189.40mg
- Iron: 11.38mg
- Vitamin A: 215.94µg
- Vitamin C: 28.41mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Minestrone Soup
When sautéing the garlic, onion, and carrots, make sure to cut them into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and enhances the overall texture of the soup. Additionally, sautéing the vegetables until they are just tender helps to develop a deeper flavor base for the minestrone.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe
Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the garlic, onion, carrots, and zucchini in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned cannellini beans and kidney beans to save time on soaking and cooking.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the parsley, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper ahead of time.
Batch cook: Make a large batch of minestrone soup and freeze portions for quick meals later.
Use a food processor: Speed up chopping by using a food processor for the vegetables.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and slightly sweeter flavor.
italian style tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar consistency and flavor.
cannellini beans - Substitute with great northern beans: Great northern beans have a similar texture and mild flavor.
kidney beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans offer a similar texture and are equally nutritious.
green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture when cooked and adds a unique flavor.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor.
basil - Substitute with thyme: Thyme offers a different but complementary herbal note.
oregano - Substitute with marjoram: Marjoram has a milder, sweeter flavor similar to oregano.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence includes similar herbs and adds a unique twist.
bay leaves - Substitute with thyme sprigs: Thyme sprigs can provide a similar depth of flavor.
vegetarian chicken flavor seasoning - Substitute with vegetable bouillon: Vegetable bouillon provides a similar umami flavor.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes offer a similar level of heat.
How to Serve Easy Minestrone Soup
Serve in a deep, white bowl: Choose a pristine, deep white bowl to highlight the vibrant colors of the minestrone soup. The white backdrop will make the hues of the vegetables pop, creating an inviting visual appeal.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley and a few whole basil leaves on top. This not only adds a burst of color but also enhances the aroma.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil: Add a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the soup. This adds a glossy finish and a rich, fruity flavor that complements the vegetables.
Serve with a side of crusty bread: Accompany the soup with a slice of warm, crusty artisan bread. Place the bread on a small plate beside the bowl to encourage dipping and to add a rustic touch.
Use a soup spoon with a unique design: Select a soup spoon with an elegant design to elevate the dining experience. The spoon should be large enough to capture a variety of ingredients in each bite.
Add a touch of microgreens: Place a small cluster of microgreens in the center of the soup. This adds a sophisticated touch and a slight crunch, enhancing the texture.
Serve with a small side salad: Prepare a small side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
Use a warm bowl: Warm the bowl before serving the soup. This helps maintain the temperature of the minestrone and ensures that it is enjoyed at its best.
Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan: Lightly sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the soup. This adds a savory depth and a touch of elegance.
Serve with a small carafe of water: Place a small carafe of chilled water with a slice of lemon or cucumber on the table. This provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Minestrone Soup
Large saucepan: A large saucepan is essential for cooking the soup. It should be 4 to 5 quarts in size to accommodate all the ingredients and allow for easy stirring.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the vegetables and soup. It is gentle on the saucepan and helps mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Chef's knife: A chef's knife is necessary for chopping the garlic, onion, carrots, and zucchini. Its sharp blade ensures precise and efficient cutting.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables. It helps keep your countertop clean and protects your knife blade.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to measure out the olive oil, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, vegetarian chicken flavor seasoning, and cayenne pepper accurately.
Can opener: A can opener is needed to open the cans of Italian-style tomatoes, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and green beans.
Ladle: A ladle is useful for serving the soup once it is ready. It allows you to scoop and serve the soup easily without spilling.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to fill the empty cans with water and add the correct amount of water to the soup.
Stovetop: A stovetop is necessary to heat the saucepan and cook the soup. It provides the heat source needed for sautéing and simmering.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Minestrone Soup
Allow the minestrone soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the soup from becoming watery or developing an off-flavor.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together over time.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following tips:
- Omit any pasta or rice from the recipe, as these ingredients can become mushy when frozen and reheated. Instead, cook and add them fresh when reheating the soup.
- Leave out any delicate vegetables like zucchini or spinach, as they may not hold up well during the freezing process. You can add these when reheating the soup for optimal texture and flavor.
To freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification later.
Freeze the minestrone soup for up to 3 months for best quality. After this time, the soup will still be safe to eat but may experience some changes in texture or flavor.
To reheat frozen minestrone soup, transfer it to a saucepan and heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency, as the soup may thicken during freezing.
If you've omitted any ingredients before freezing, such as pasta, rice, or delicate vegetables, add them to the soup during the reheating process and cook until tender.
How To Reheat Leftover Minestrone Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover minestrone soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the vegetables and beans are heated through without becoming mushy.
Microwave method: pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large amount of leftover minestrone soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker, cover it, and heat on low for 2-3 hours or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is convenient if you want to reheat the soup without much supervision.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with a lid or aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the minestrone soup well to distribute the heat evenly and prevent any hot spots. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can add a small amount of broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Interesting Trivia About Minestrone Soup
A fun fact about this minestrone soup recipe is that it is highly versatile and can be customized with various seasonal vegetables. This makes it an excellent choice for utilizing leftover produce and reducing food waste.
Is Making Minestrone Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This minestrone soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like olive oil, garlic, onion, carrots, canned tomatoes, beans, and zucchini are affordable and easily accessible. The use of pantry staples like herbs and seasonings further enhances its value. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $12-$15. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is Minestrone Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This minestrone soup recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. It is packed with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, zucchini, and green beans, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The inclusion of cannellini and kidney beans adds a good source of plant-based protein and further enhances the fiber content. The use of olive oil as the cooking fat is a healthy choice, as it contains monounsaturated fats and has anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the herbs and spices used, such as parsley, basil, oregano, and Italian seasoning, not only add flavor but also offer various health benefits due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding leafy greens like spinach or kale, which are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium
- Replace the vegetarian chicken flavor seasoning with low-sodium vegetable broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the soup
- Include whole grain pasta, such as whole wheat or quinoa pasta, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to enhance the flavors and provide a boost of vitamin C
- Garnish the soup with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to further increase the antioxidant content and add a fresh, vibrant flavor
Editor's Opinion on This Minestrone Soup Recipe
This minestrone soup recipe is a delightful blend of hearty vegetables and robust flavors. The use of both cannellini and kidney beans adds a satisfying texture, while the combination of herbs and spices creates a well-rounded, aromatic broth. The inclusion of vegetarian chicken flavor seasoning is a clever touch, enhancing the depth without overpowering the natural vegetable flavors. Overall, it's a nutritious and comforting dish that's easy to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
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Why trust this Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe:
This easy minestrone soup recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty and nutritious meal. The combination of cannellini beans, kidney beans, and green beans provides a rich source of protein and fiber. The Italian style tomatoes and zucchini add a burst of fresh flavor, while the blend of parsley, basil, and oregano ensures a fragrant and aromatic experience. With simple instructions and readily available ingredients, this recipe is both accessible and delicious. Trust in the wholesome ingredients and straightforward preparation for a satisfying homemade soup.
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