Easy Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe

Minestrone Easy Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe is a classic Italian dish that is hearty, nutritious, and easy to make. This vegetarian version is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is both satisfying and healthy. Here’s a detailed recipe that will guide you through the process of making this delicious soup.

Easy Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 ounces tomato paste
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ to ¾ cup small pasta of choice (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• For Serving:
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Easy Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe

Instructions

1. Heat the Olive Oil:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened but not browned.

1. Add Zucchini and Garlic:

• Stir in the diced zucchini and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.

1. Season the Vegetables:

• Sprinkle in the dried thyme and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

1. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes:

• Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps deepen the flavor of the tomatoes. Then add the crushed tomatoes along with their juice.

1. Add Broth and Beans:

• Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

1. Cook the Pasta:

• After simmering, add the kidney beans and white beans to the pot. Stir in your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

1. Adjust Seasoning:

• Taste your soup and adjust seasoning as necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs.

1. Serve:

• Ladle the hot soup into bowls. If desired, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped parsley or basil.

Tips for Success

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize your soup by adding seasonal vegetables such as green beans, spinach, or peas.
• Pasta Cooking: If you plan on storing leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: To freeze minestrone soup, omit adding pasta or undercook it slightly so it retains its texture when reheated.

Easy Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe

This Easy Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe is a hearty and nutritious dish, perfect for a comforting meal. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in 1 diced zucchini and 1 diced potato, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.Easy Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe

Next, add a can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and basil. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in 1 cup of small pasta, like ditalini, and cook until al dente.Easy Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe

Once the pasta is ready, add a handful of fresh spinach and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (optional), for a satisfying, healthy meal. This simple and flavorful minestrone is packed with vegetables, making it a wholesome choice for vegetarians and a delicious option for any day of the week!Easy Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe

Conclusion

This easy vegetarian minestrone soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from various vegetables and legumes. It’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a comforting meal. Enjoy this wholesome soup as a standalone dish or pair it with crusty bread for a complete dining experience!