CLASSIC MINESTRONE SOUP

Classic Minestrone Soup is a hearty and wholesome Italian soup packed with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth. This soup is a wonderful way to enjoy a healthy, filling meal that’s also incredibly versatile—perfect for using up whatever vegetables you have on hand. The combination of tender vegetables, beans, and pasta creates a satisfying texture, while the herbs and spices add a depth of flavor that makes every spoonful delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main course, Minestrone Soup is a comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 1 potato, peeled and diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the broth and vegetables: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable or chicken broth, zucchini, yellow squash, potato, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Cook the beans and pasta: Add the cannellini beans, green beans, and pasta to the pot. Continue to simmer the soup for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. If using spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
4. Season and serve: Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Classic Minestrone Soup is a nourishing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of year. Its rich combination of vegetables, beans, and pasta makes it a satisfying meal on its own or a wonderful starter to a larger feast. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.