Minestrone Soup Recipe: A Hearty and Nutritious Meal

Minestrone Soup Recipe: A Hearty and Nutritious Meal

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Add the Vegetables: Add the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add Beans and Green Beans: Once boiling, add the kidney beans, cannellini beans, and green beans. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Season the Soup: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the soup for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Cook the Pasta: While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7. Add Pasta and Greens: Stir the cooked pasta and chopped spinach or kale into the soup. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the greens are wilted and the pasta is heated through.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Tips

• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on your preference or what’s in season.
• Make it Heartier: For a more filling soup, add some cooked chicken or turkey.
• Storage: Minestrone soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, you may want to cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Conclusion

This Minestrone Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect meal for those looking to enjoy healthy Italian cuisine while staying on track with their weight loss goals.

Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty ingredients that make this soup a comforting favorite.