Minestrone Soup: A Hearty Italian Vegetable Soup Bursting with Flavor

Minestrone is a classic Italian vegetable soup that is known for its robust and comforting flavor. This nutritious dish typically includes a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta or rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The recipe is flexible, allowing for seasonal and personal variations, and it’s often enjoyed with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a slice of crusty bread.

Ingredients###

Vegetables:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 yellow squash, diced
– 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

Beans and Pasta:
– 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)

Broth and Seasonings:
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions###

Stage 1: Sauté the Vegetables
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the diced carrots and celery, and sauté for another 5 minutes, until they begin to soften.

Stage 2: Add Broth and Vegetables
4. Add the diced zucchini, yellow squash, and green beans to the pot.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice.

Stage 3: Season the Soup
6. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Stage 4: Cook the Pasta and Beans
8. Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
9. Stir in the kidney beans and cannellini beans, and let them heat through for about 5 minutes.
10. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Stage 5: Serve
11. Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary.
12. Ladle the minestrone into bowls and serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Enjoy your hearty and nutritious Minestrone Soup, perfect for any season!