Introduction
Transform humble veggies and pantry staples into a heartwarming bowl of Grandma’s Cozy Minestrone Soup! This recipe is all about simple ingredients and maximum flavor, perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy family meal. It’s the kind of soup that makes you feel good from the inside out – comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make!
Why This Works
This Minestrone Soup recipe works because it’s a perfect balance of fresh vegetables and hearty beans, creating a deeply satisfying and flavorful broth. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Plus, the homemade flavor far surpasses anything from a can!
Key Ingredients
- 🥕 2 large carrots, chopped
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍅 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 🫙 6 cups vegetable broth
- 🫘 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 🌿 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 🍝 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni work well)
- 🌿 ½ cup chopped fresh basil
- 🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
- 🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2️⃣ Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, oregano, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4️⃣ Stir in the pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
5️⃣ Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7️⃣ Stir in the fresh basil and parsley.
8️⃣ Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté the vegetables in a little bacon fat instead of olive oil.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs – use about 1/3 the amount.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you like, such as zucchini, celery, or green beans. Add them along with the carrots and onions.
Heat Control
Simmering the soup gently over low heat ensures that the vegetables cook evenly and the flavors meld beautifully. A rolling boil will cause the soup to become watery and the vegetables to become mushy.
Crunch Factor
While this soup is primarily creamy and comforting, you can add a bit of crunch by topping it with toasted croutons or a sprinkle of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a smoother soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the pasta.
- Add a splash of white wine to the soup while it simmers for extra depth of flavor.
- Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick weeknight meals.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Minestrone Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight!
Gift Packaging Ideas
This soup makes a wonderful and heartwarming gift! Package it in a pretty jar or thermos, tied with a ribbon and a handwritten recipe card.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Minestrone: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
🌟 Italian Sausage Minestrone: Brown some Italian sausage before adding the onions and carrots.
🌟 Vegetarian Minestrone with White Beans: Substitute Great Northern beans or other white beans for the cannellini beans.
🌟 Lemon & Herb Minestrone: Add the zest and juice of one lemon at the end, along with extra fresh herbs.
Troubleshooting
- Soup is too watery: Simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid.
- Soup is too thick: Add a little more vegetable broth or water to thin it out.
- Pasta is mushy: Don’t overcook the pasta. Cook it al dente according to package directions.
FAQ
- Can I use different beans? Absolutely! Kidney beans, pinto beans, or even lentils would work well.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes! Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day! Make it a day or two in advance and reheat before serving.
- Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta.
- How many does this serve? This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Conclusion
This Grandma’s Cozy Minestrone Soup is sure to become a family favorite! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for chilly nights. Give it a try and share your culinary creations with us! We can’t wait to see your photos and hear your reviews. Happy cooking!
Grandma's Easy Peasy Minestrone
A hearty and nutritious minestrone soup packed with vegetables and beans, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sautu00e9 until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, green beans, kidney beans, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the pasta and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips
- Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand for this recipe.
- To make it heartier, add some diced potatoes or zucchini.