A bowl of Minestrone Soup, hearty and wholesome, awaits your eager taste buds. Each spoonful transports you to a world of comfort and nourishment.
In the realm of comfort foods, few dishes can rival the heartwarming embrace of a steaming bowl of minestrone soup. A hearty Italian classic, minestrone soup is not only a culinary delight but also a nutritional powerhouse that caters to busy weeknights and diverse family palates. Bursting with a medley of vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup is a testament to the art of simplicity in the kitchen.
Minestrone soup stands as a shining example of how a single dish can pack a powerful nutritional punch. It’s a veritable rainbow on a plate, boasting an array of colorful vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, celery, zucchini, and spinach. These vibrant ingredients are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being. The inclusion of beans, a protein-rich ingredient, adds a satisfying depth to the soup while providing a hearty dose of dietary fiber.
Life can get hectic during the week, leaving little time for elaborate meal preparations. This is where minestrone soup steps in as a lifesaver. With its simple yet hearty components, it’s a breeze to whip up, even on the busiest of evenings. The recipe typically involves chopping up a handful of vegetables, opening a can of beans, and simmering everything together in a flavorful broth. The aroma that wafts through your kitchen as the soup simmers is a preview of the comfort that awaits in each spoonful.
Furthermore, minestrone soup is a perfect candidate for meal prepping. You can prepare a large batch over the weekend and store it in individual portions to enjoy throughout the week. This not only saves you time but also ensures that you have a wholesome and nourishing meal ready to go, no matter how chaotic your schedule gets.
Engaging your children in the kitchen by involving them in the soup-making process can also be a fun family activity. From washing and chopping veggies to selecting pasta shapes, they can participate in creating a meal that they’re more likely to enjoy. Plus, as parents, you can rest easy knowing that you’re nourishing your loved ones with wholesome ingredients.
Minestrone soup isn’t just a dish; it’s a manifestation of nourishment, simplicity, and family togetherness. With its vibrant medley of vegetables, hearty beans, and comforting pasta, it checks all the boxes for a nutritious, easy weeknight meal that appeals to both kids and adults. So, the next time you’re pondering what to put on your dinner table, remember the comforting embrace of a bowl of minestrone soup – a true celebration of flavors and well-being.
Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
- 1 med yellow onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 1 potato, peeled and chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- 1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, with the liquid (or 2 15oz cans)
- 6 c vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup elbow or small shell pasta
- 1 15oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnishing
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, heat 3 Tbsp of the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the garlic, oregano, and parsley and mix well.
- Add in the carrots, celery, potato, and zucchini.
- Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are turning translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with the liquid and broth.
- Add the salt and season generously with freshly ground black pepper.
- Raise heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 30 minutes, covered.
- Remove the pot from the heat, add in the cooked pasta. Season with more salt (about 1/4 tsp should do it) and pepper until the flavors really bloom.
- Serve hot and garnish bowls of soup with grated Parmesan.
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