Minestrone Soup

There’s something magical about a pot of minestrone soup simmering away on the stove. It’s like bottling up a cosy, autumn afternoon and serving it in a bowl.

This soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, savour the process, and enjoy a meal that feels as comforting as a warm blanket.

Brimming with colourful vegetables, hearty beans, and tender pasta, this Italian classic is a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome cooking.

Minestrone offers a medley of flavours and textures that never fail to satisfy. Let’s walk through how to make this delightful dish step by step—because life’s too short not to enjoy good soup.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this Minestrone Soup recipe:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 4 celery stalks
• 4 carrots
• 1 courgette
• 1 tin chickpeas (400g)
• 1 tin kidney beans (400g)
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes (400g)
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 500ml vegetable stock
• 1 cup dried pasta (choose a small shape like ditalini or macaroni)
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp mixed herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

A Soup with a Story

Minestrone isn’t just a recipe; it’s a story of resourcefulness and community.

Born from humble beginnings in Italy, this soup was traditionally crafted using seasonal vegetables and pantry staples.

It’s the kind of dish that reminds us how food can bring people together, even when times are tough.

When you make minestrone, you’re stepping into a tradition of cooks who knew how to create something extraordinary from the simplest ingredients.

It’s also a soup that evolves with you—perfect for adding your own twists or making do with what’s in your kitchen.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, minestrone is like a culinary canvas just waiting for your creative touch.

Why Fresh Vegetables Make All the Difference

The heart of any good minestrone is its fresh, vibrant vegetables.

They’re the building blocks of this dish, adding flavour, texture, and a burst of natural colour.

From the sweetness of carrots to the subtle crunch of celery and the tender bite of courgette, each vegetable brings its own personality to the pot.

Don’t have courgette on hand? Swap it for green beans or spinach.

The beauty of minestrone lies in its flexibility—it’s a soup that works with what you’ve got, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your favourite veggies or whatever’s looking good at the market.

The Secret to a Rich, Flavourful Broth

A great broth is the backbone of minestrone, and this recipe’s broth is nothing short of spectacular.

It’s all about layering flavours: the earthiness of the bean liquid, the tangy richness of chopped tomatoes, and the depth of vegetable stock.

The addition of tomato purée adds a concentrated hit of umami that takes the soup to the next level.

Let the soup simmer gently for at least an hour—this gives the ingredients time to mingle and create that signature minestrone flavour that’s both comforting and complex. Patience here truly pays off.

Pasta in Soup?

If you’ve never added pasta to your soup before, prepare to have your world changed.

Pasta transforms minestrone from a simple vegetable soup into a satisfying meal that can stand on its own.

The key is adding the pasta towards the end of cooking, so it doesn’t overcook and lose its texture.

Small shapes like ditalini or macaroni work best because they’re bite-sized and don’t overpower the other ingredients.

And if you’re gluten-free, don’t worry—there are plenty of excellent gluten-free pasta options that work beautifully in this dish.

Choosing the Perfect Seasoning

Seasoning can make or break a soup, and minestrone is no exception.

A good pinch of mixed herbs—think oregano, thyme, and marjoram—creates an aromatic base that pairs perfectly with the vegetables and beans.

White pepper adds a subtle, warming kick that enhances the overall flavour without overwhelming the dish.

Be sure to taste as you go, adjusting the salt and pepper until it’s just right. This step is where you can truly make the soup your own, so don’t hold back!

How to Make This Minestrone Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.

This is where the magic begins—there’s something so satisfying about the smell of onions hitting hot oil.

Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 2 minutes, releasing its fragrant goodness.

Take your time with this step; it’s the foundation of your soup’s flavour.

Step 2: Introduce the Veggies

Peel and dice the carrots, then dice the celery and courgette.

Add these to the pot and give everything a good stir to coat the veggies in the oil.

Cook for 6-8 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and their natural sweetness to develop.

You’ll notice the kitchen starting to smell amazing at this point—it’s a little preview of the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Season with Love

Sprinkle in the mixed herbs, white pepper, and a pinch of salt.

Stir everything together, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

This step may seem simple, but it’s crucial for layering flavour. Don’t rush—enjoy the process of building a soup that’s packed with personality.

Step 4: Add the Beans and Broth

Pour in the tins of chickpeas and kidney beans, including their liquid (trust me, it’s a flavour booster!).

Add the chopped tomatoes, vegetable stock, and tomato purée. Stir well, then cover the pot with a lid.

Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 50-60 minutes.

This is where the magic happens—the longer it simmers, the richer and more cohesive the flavours become.

Step 5: Pasta Time

About 5-10 minutes before serving, stir in the dried pasta.

The exact timing will depend on the shape of your pasta, so check the package instructions.

If the soup looks too thick, add a splash of boiling water to loosen it up.

This step transforms your soup from hearty to downright indulgent.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the minestrone into bowls and top with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.

Serve with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make minestrone ahead of time?

Definitely! Minestrone is one of those soups that tastes even better the next day.

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Is minestrone freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze it before adding the pasta for best results.

When reheating, cook the pasta fresh and stir it in at the end.

What other vegetables can I use?

The possibilities are endless! Try green beans, spinach, kale, or potatoes.

Minestrone is all about adaptability, so feel free to get creative.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Simply swap out the pasta for a gluten-free alternative.

The soup is naturally gluten-free without the pasta, so it’s an easy adjustment.

And that’s it for this Minestrone Soup recipe. You can find the whole thing on a handy recipe card just below, so be sure to Pin it for later!

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