Healthy and Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe

This classic Italian soup is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, packed with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta. It is both comforting and healthy, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight meal. With a few simple steps, you can create a bowl of delicious minestrone soup that will warm your soul and nourish your body.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta (such as elbow or ditalini)
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add the carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pot, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the pasta, kidney beans, and cannellini beans to the pot, and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Serve the minestrone soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Interesting Facts