I love this minestrone soup recipe in particular because it’s so satisfying, but still light and fresh. Onions, carrots, and celery add depth of flavor to its herb-flecked tomato broth, and starchy beans and pasta make it nice and thick. I toss in green beans for texture, and, as a final finishing touch, I top it off with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s super easy and flavorful, and all you need is crusty bread to make it a meal. Cookies for dessert are optional, but highly recommended.
The Best Minestrone Soup
This vegetarian minestrone soup recipe is my take on the classic Italian vegetable soup. It's hearty, fresh, and flavorful - just add crusty bread to make it a meal!
Equipment
- Staub Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 medium carrots chopped
- 2 celery ribs thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves grated
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups white beans or kidney beans cooked, drained, and rinsed
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 cup small pasta elbows, shells, orecchiette
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Pinches of red pepper flakes
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, salt, and several grinds of black pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the garlic, tomatoes, beans, green beans, broth, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the pasta and cook, uncovered, for 10 more minutes, until the pasta is cooked through.
- Season to taste and serve with parsley, red pepper flakes, and parmesan, if desired.
