Savor the warmth of Minestrone Soup, a hearty Italian staple with veggies, meat, and pasta in a savory broth. Easy to cook and perfect with crusty bread, this one-pot meal is like a cozy hug on a cold day. Let's whip up this comforting classic together!
Preheat a wide-bottom pan over medium heat and pour in some oil. Add bay leaves, onion, and garlic. Saute everything until they turn soft and release their fresh aroma. This step ensures a deep flavor for your soup.
Now, add the celery, carrots, and season them with thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir and cook the veggies until they turn soft and tender.
Once they are tender, add the diced tomatoes, green beans, kidney beans, and chili flakes. Stir everything together for an even distribution of the mixture.
Now, introduce the broth and mix everything well. Bring the mixture to a boil for about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, close the pan with its lid, and allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a flavorful soup.
Open the lid and add your pasta of choice. Give it a good mix with the other ingredients.
Simmer the mixture for a few more minutes until the pasta turns al dente. This simmering time may vary based on the pasta variety you are using, so keep an eye on them for perfection.
Finally, season your Minestrone Soup with black pepper powder and garnish with parsley and parmesan cheese. Now your comforting soup is ready for you to enjoy.
Serving
Enjoy this flavor-packed Minestrone Soup with a side of crusty bread or your favorite accompaniment. For more pairing ideas check out our Serving Suggestions section below.
Notes
Here are my tips to make your Minestrone Soup just right:
Start with the Hard Veggies: When you're adding veggies, begin with the ones that take a bit longer to cook, like carrots and celery. This way, they get soft just right, and the quicker-cooking veggies don't turn mushy.
Let It Simmer: I've found that letting the soup simmer for a while really makes all the difference. It helps all the flavors come together beautifully, so try not to skip this step. Trust me, it's worth the wait!
Choosing Pasta: It's best to use small pasta shapes that don't get too soft in the soup. And if you're planning to keep some soup for later, cook the pasta separately and add it in when you're ready to eat. This keeps the pasta perfect, not soggy.