Ever-Comforting Minestrone

When the days grow colder and the nights longer, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of comforting soup to warm your soul. Today, we’re journeying to Italy for one of my all-time favorites: the Ever-Comforting Minestrone.

This hearty, vegetable-laden soup is the epitome of homestyle Italian cooking, with a rich history that dates back to ancient Rome. It’s a versatile recipe that adapts to the seasons, using whatever vegetables are fresh and plentiful.

What makes minestrone so comforting? It’s the mingling of flavors, the slow simmered broth, and the medley of vegetables that come together to create a symphony of warmth and comfort.

Building Flavors: The Foundation of a Great Minestrone

As with any good soup, building flavors is key. The base of our minestrone starts with classic aromatics: onions, carrots, and celery, also known as the “holy trinity” of Italian cooking.

Sautéed until soft and fragrant, these humble ingredients lay the flavor foundation for our soup.

Seasonal Vegetables: The Heart of Minestrone

Minestrone is a celebration of vegetables. From the sweetness of fresh peas to the earthiness of potatoes, this soup is a canvas for the bounty of the season.

Tip: Don’t shy away from using leftover vegetables in your fridge. Minestrone is forgiving and versatile, making it a perfect “clean out the fridge” recipe.

Adding Heft: Pasta and Beans

Adding pasta and beans to your minestrone transforms it from a light vegetable soup to a satisfying meal. Choose a small pasta shape that will hold up well in the soup, and a bean of your choice to add protein and texture.

With the Ever-Comforting Minestrone, you’re not just making a meal. You’re partaking in a centuries-old tradition, creating comfort in a bowl, and serving up a dish that nourishes both body and soul. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and let’s bring a little Italian comfort to your kitchen tonight!

Ever-Comforting Minestrone

Course: SoupCuisine: Italian

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

200

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

A comforting, hearty Italian vegetable soup that’s perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup small pasta

• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• Assorted fresh vegetables, diced

Directions

• In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
• Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
• Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• Add the cannellini beans and assorted vegetables. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.

Notes

• Feel free to add other ingredients like zucchini, green beans, or peas for more variety.
• You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
• This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove or in the microwave.

This Ever-Comforting Minestrone pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors of the soup. It also goes well with a light salad on the side, providing a balance of freshness against the hearty soup.

For a full Italian experience, consider serving this minestrone with a small portion of lasagna or spaghetti bolognese. The richness of these dishes complements the lightness and freshness of the soup, making for a complete, satisfying meal.