Minestrone is one of those classic Italian soups that can be served at any time of year. Its hearty flavors and variety of vegetables make it both comforting and nutritious. It's a great way to get your daily servings of vegetables, as it can be made with a variety of different vegetables, beans, and herbs. You can also make it as light or as hearty as you like, depending on what ingredients you use.
To make a classic minestrone, you'll need onion, garlic, carrots, celery, tomatoes, beans, and some type of small pasta such as ditalini or orzo. You can also add other vegetables such as spinach, kale, zucchini, potatoes, or squash. To make the soup even heartier, you can also add in some diced ham or Italian sausage.
For the broth, you can use either vegetable or chicken broth, or a combination of both. Once you've gathered all of your ingredients, you can start cooking. Begin by sautéing the onion and garlic in a large pot with olive oil. Once the vegetables are softened, add in the carrots, celery, tomatoes, and beans. Stir and cook for a few minutes before adding in the broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Finally, add in the small pasta and simmer for another 15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through. At this point, you can adjust the seasoning to taste with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you'd like. Serve your minestrone hot, with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some crusty bread.
Minestrone is a versatile and delicious soup that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you're looking for a light and healthy soup or something more substantial, minestrone is sure to satisfy. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's the perfect dish for any occasion.