Italian Minestrone is a hearty and versatile vegetable soup that can be made with a variety of ingredients. A step-by-step guide on how to make a classic Italian Minestrone soup:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or use fresh tomatoes)
- 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and chop all the vegetables as indicated in the ingredients list.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
3. Add Carrots and Celery:
- Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Zucchini and Green Beans:
- Stir in the diced zucchini and green beans. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Incorporate Cabbage:
- Add the shredded cabbage and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Add Tomatoes and Beans:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and kidney beans (drained and rinsed). Stir to combine.
7. Pour in Broth and Add Herbs:
- Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Stir in the dried oregano and basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
8. Simmer:
- Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
9. Add Pasta:
- Stir in the small pasta and continue simmering for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the soup has thickened slightly. Be sure to follow the pasta's cooking time on the package.
10. Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs.
11. Serve:
- Ladle the hot Italian Minestrone soup into bowls. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve with crusty bread.
Enjoy your homemade Italian Minestrone soup, a wholesome and flavorful dish that's perfect for any season!