Minestrone Soup, a classic Italian recipe, is a hearty blend of vegetables, beans, and pasta. This nourishing soup is well known not just for its robust flavor but also for its health benefits. It is a perfect dish for a cold day or when you need a bowl of comfort food.
Photos of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are easily available in most kitchens. However, you might need to check for Italian seasoning, which could be a blend of oregano, rosemary, thyme, and basil. If you don't have it, you can make your own by mixing these herbs. Also, two types of canned beans are required - white beans and kidney beans. If you don't have them handy, a trip to the supermarket is necessary.
Ingredients for Olive Garden's Minestrone Soup Recipe
Olive oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables. It adds a faintly fruity flavor to the soup. Onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini: These vegetables add a hearty texture to the soup. Garlic: Garlic adds a punchy, aromatic flavor. Tomatoes: Tomatoes add a sweet and tangy taste. Vegetable broth: This forms the base of the soup, adding depth to the overall flavor. Italian seasoning: This gives the soup its classic Italian flavor. White beans and kidney beans: Beans add a nice creaminess and are a good source of protein. Green beans and shell pasta: Adds texture and makes the soup more filling. Spinach leaves: These add a vibrant color and are rich in nutrients. Parsley: Used for garnishing, adds a pop of color and a fresh taste.
One reader, Gertrudis Faust says:
I recently tried Olive Garden's minestrone soup recipe, and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful broth was so comforting. It's a perfect choice for a cozy night in or to impress guests. I highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Making Minestrone Soup
How to sauté vegetables: Sauté the onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini in the olive oil until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
How to simmer soup: After adding the tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning to the pot, bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to cook pasta in soup: Add the shell pasta to the simmering soup and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta and vegetables are tender.
How to season to taste: After adding the beans and pasta, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavors.
How to wilt spinach: Stir in the baby spinach leaves and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the leaves are wilted. This will add a vibrant color and fresh flavor to the soup.
How to garnish with parsley: Sprinkle the parsley over the finished soup just before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
How To Make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Skip the line at Olive Garden to get your favorite minestrone soup. Make your own at home with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil
- ¾cuponiondiced
- ½cupcelerysliced
- ½cupcarrotspeeled, quartered, and sliced
- 1pczucchinihalved and sliced
- 2tspgarlicminced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 14oztomatoesdiced
- 4cupsvegetable broth
- cuptomato paste
- 2tspItalian Seasoning
- 15ozwhite beanssmall, drained, and rinsed
- 15ozkidney beansdrained and rinsed
- ½cupgreen beansfrozen cut
- ½cupshell pastasmall
- 2cupsbaby spinach leaves
- 2tbspparsleychopped
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini to the pot.
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Cook until the vegetables are tender for about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add the tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
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Add the white beans, kidney beans, green beans, and pasta to the pot. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until pasta and vegetables are tender.
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Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the spinach leaves and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until wilted.
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Sprinkle the parsley over the soup and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 586.26kcal
- Fat: 6.29g
- Saturated Fat: 0.99g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.48g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.26g
- Carbohydrates: 100.87g
- Fiber: 31.47g
- Sugar: 7.71g
- Protein: 36.32g
- Sodium: 1068.10mg
- Calcium: 325.20mg
- Potassium: 2689.43mg
- Iron: 14.60mg
- Vitamin A: 147.93µg
- Vitamin C: 24.95mg
Helpful Technique for Enhancing Minestrone Soup Flavor
To ensure that your minestrone soup has a rich and deep flavor, it's important to sauté the onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini until they are tender before adding the other ingredients. This process, known as sweating, helps to release the natural sugars in the vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup. Additionally, adding the garlic towards the end of this process prevents it from burning and becoming bitter. Lastly, remember to add the spinach just before serving, as it wilts quickly and retains more of its nutritional value when not overcooked.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Olive Garden's Minestrone Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot to minimize cleanup time.
Efficient tools: Use kitchen gadgets like food processors and immersion blenders to speed up prep work and cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate taste to the minestrone soup.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a hint of licorice flavor, which can complement the soup's overall taste.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips offer a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor, enhancing the depth of the soup's taste.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for zucchini in the minestrone soup.
garlic - Substitute with shallot: Shallots can provide a milder and slightly sweet flavor, adding a unique twist to the soup's taste profile.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a convenient substitute, providing the same rich tomato flavor and texture.
vegetable broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add a savory depth of flavor to the soup, enhancing its overall taste.
tomato paste - Substitute with sundried tomato paste: Sun-dried tomato paste offers a concentrated tomato flavor with a hint of sweetness, elevating the soup's taste profile.
italian seasoning - Substitute with dried basil and oregano: A blend of dried basil and oregano can replicate the Italian seasoning's herbaceous and aromatic notes.
white beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them an excellent alternative in the minestrone soup.
kidney beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans can provide a slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture, complementing the soup's overall taste.
green beans - Substitute with snap peas: Snap peas offer a similar crisp texture and a touch of sweetness, adding a delightful crunch to the soup.
shell pasta - Substitute with ditalini pasta: Ditalini pasta's small, tube-shaped form makes it a suitable replacement, holding up well in the soup and providing a delightful bite.
baby spinach leaves - Substitute with kale leaves: Kale leaves can offer a robust and earthy flavor, adding a hearty element to the minestrone soup.
parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can provide a fragrant and herbaceous flavor, enhancing the soup's overall aroma and taste.
Presentation Ideas for Minestrone Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the minestrone soup to Michelin-starred judges, pay attention to the plating. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup. Ensure that the vegetables and pasta are evenly distributed, creating an appealing visual balance.
Garnish with precision: Add a touch of elegance to the dish by garnishing with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped Italian parsley. This not only enhances the flavors but also adds a sophisticated touch to the presentation.
Focus on the details: Pay attention to the finer details by wiping the rim of the bowl to ensure a clean presentation. Additionally, consider using a fine-mesh sieve to dust a light layer of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the soup just before serving for a luxurious finishing touch.
Select the right serveware: Opt for elegant, minimalist serveware that allows the vibrant colors of the minestrone soup to take center stage. Consider using porcelain bowls or earthenware dishes to complement the rustic charm of the dish.
Incorporate edible elements: Introduce an element of surprise by incorporating a delicate herb-infused crouton or a small grilled cheese sandwich on the side, adding a playful yet refined twist to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Minestrone Soup
- Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking soups, stews, and stocks. It should have a sturdy base and ample capacity to accommodate the ingredients and liquids.
- Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring soups and stews as it doesn't conduct heat and won't scratch the pot's surface.
- Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is crucial for chopping vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients with precision.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients, preventing damage to countertops and ensuring safety.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are essential in cooking, and a set of measuring cups and spoons helps ensure the right proportions of ingredients.
- Vegetable peeler: A vegetable peeler is useful for peeling carrots and other vegetables, ensuring they are clean and ready for use in the recipe.
- Soup ladle: A soup ladle is designed for serving soups and stews, allowing for easy portioning and serving without spills.
- Soup bowls: Soup bowls are essential for serving the minestrone soup, providing a suitable vessel for enjoying the delicious dish.
- Stove: A stove is necessary for cooking the minestrone soup, providing the heat source for simmering and cooking the ingredients.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Minestrone Soup
To store leftover minestrone soup, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the soup for up to 4-5 days.
When reheating refrigerated minestrone soup, you may need to add a little extra vegetable broth or water to thin it out, as the pasta and vegetables will have absorbed some of the liquid.
For longer storage, you can freeze minestrone soup for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
Consider freezing the soup in individual portions for quick and easy meals later on. This way, you can thaw only what you need without having to defrost a large batch.
To thaw frozen minestrone soup, place it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.
Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta and some vegetables may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor of the soup will still be delicious.
If you plan on freezing the soup, you can undercook the pasta slightly to prevent it from becoming too soft when reheated. Alternatively, cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup when reheating.
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 pasta don't become overcooked or 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 and heat it on low for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is convenient if you want to reheat the soup without much supervision.
Add a splash of broth or water: if the leftover minestrone soup has thickened up in the refrigerator, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of vegetable broth or water before reheating. This will help to restore the soup's original consistency and prevent it from becoming too thick or dry.
Adjust the seasonings: after reheating the minestrone soup, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may find that the flavors have mellowed or intensified during storage, so you might need to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to brighten up the taste.
Interesting Trivia About Minestrone Soup
The minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a versatile soup that can be customized with various vegetables and beans, making it a hearty and nutritious meal. Minestrone soup is also a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet, providing essential vitamins and minerals. It is a perfect dish for vegetarians and vegans, as it is packed with plant-based protein from the beans. This soup is not only delicious but also a healthy option for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal.
Is Making Minestrone Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
The minestrone soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With affordable ingredients like vegetables, beans, and pasta, it provides a hearty and nutritious meal for a family of four. The total cost for the recipe is approximately $15, making it an economical choice. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for easy substitutions based on availability, making it a practical and budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is Olive Garden's Minestrone Soup Healthy?
This Olive Garden minestrone soup recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. It is packed with a variety of vegetables, including onion, celery, carrots, zucchini, and spinach, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The inclusion of white beans and kidney beans adds a good source of plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates. The use of vegetable broth and limited amount of olive oil keeps the soup low in fat and calories.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe or replace it with low-sodium alternatives like herbs and spices to enhance flavor without increasing sodium intake
- Opt for whole-grain pasta instead of regular shell pasta to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of energy
- Include additional nutrient-dense vegetables such as kale, bell peppers, or mushrooms to further boost the vitamin and mineral content of the soup
- Consider using a low-sodium vegetable broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
By incorporating these changes, the Olive Garden minestrone soup recipe can be transformed into an even more nutritious and wholesome meal that supports overall health and well-being.
Editor's Opinion on Olive Garden's Minestrone Soup Recipe
This minestrone soup recipe is a delightful combination of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, creating a hearty and flavorful dish. The use of Italian seasoning and garlic adds depth to the broth, while the addition of spinach brings a pop of color and freshness. The balance of flavors and textures makes this soup a comforting and satisfying option for any occasion. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit individual preferences, making it a great addition to any home cook's repertoire. Enjoy this wholesome and delicious minestrone soup as a nourishing meal on its own or paired with a crusty bread for a complete dining experience.
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Why trust this Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and hearty beans. The combination of tomatoes and tomato paste creates a rich, flavorful base, while the addition of pasta adds a comforting element. The use of vegetable broth ensures a robust and satisfying taste. With a medley of spinach leaves and parsley, this soup promises a nourishing and wholesome experience. Trust in the quality and balance of these ingredients to deliver a truly authentic minestrone soup experience.
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