This minestrone soup loads zucchini, green beans, carrots and celery into a tomato and vegetable broth with beans and small pasta. Oregano and basil season the pot. Serve it hot with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan.

Table of Contents

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I add the pasta to minestrone?

Add it after the soup has simmered for 15 minutes, then cook for another 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Which beans work best?

Kidney beans or cannellini beans both work. Drain and rinse the canned beans before stirring them in.

Can I use something other than pasta?

Quinoa or barley can stand in for the pasta. Seasonal vegetables also work well if you want to change things up.

Browse more in our Soup Recipes collection.

Minestrone Soup and Its Nutritional Information