Ingredients for Minestrone Soup
To make this flavourful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 medium zucchini (diced)
- 1 cup green beans (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans or cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Minestrone Soup
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add carrots and celery, cooking for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and beans.
- Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer and Cook the Pasta:
- Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the pasta and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information of Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is nutrient-dense and low in calories, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 150-200
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 6-8g
- Fat: 4-6g
- Fiber: 5-7g
- Vitamin A: 50-60% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 20-30% of the DV
- Potassium: 350-450mg
- Iron: 10-12% of the DV
Tips for Enhancing Your Minestrone Soup
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra flavour.
- Substitute pasta with quinoa or barley for a unique twist.
- Use seasonal vegetables to customize the soup to your taste.
Try it out today and savour the goodness of this Italian favourite!