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Cozy Classic Minestrone Soup

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A warm, hearty, and comforting minestrone soup packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or a healthy lunch option.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup red kidney beans, cooked or canned, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cannellini beans, cooked or canned
  • 1/2 cup small pasta shells or ditalini (about 75 grams)
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add diced zucchini and chopped green beans. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with juices and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, add salt and pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper). Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes to let flavors meld and veggies soften.
  6. Stir in red kidney beans, cannellini beans, and pasta shells. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente, watching to prevent mushiness.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil and parsley if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or a green salad.

Notes

If the soup thickens too much after resting, add a splash of broth or water when reheating. Avoid overcooking pasta to keep texture lively. Rinse canned beans thoroughly to prevent flat or salty taste. Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized veggies for grain-free options. Parmesan cheese is optional and can be replaced with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

Nutrition

Keywords: minestrone soup, classic soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, vegetable soup, bean soup, homemade soup, healthy soup, Italian soup

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/cozy-classic-minestrone-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-meal/