Imagine a steaming bowl of comfort that transports you straight to the rustic kitchens of Northern Italy, where every spoonful tells a story of tradition, warmth, and pure culinary delight. This Northern Italy Minestrone Soup isn't just a recipe—it's a soul-warming experience that combines fresh vegetables, hearty pasta, and rich, aromatic flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're seeking a cozy meal on a chilly evening or wanting to impress your dinner guests with an authentic Italian dish, this minestrone is your ultimate culinary companion.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- Add chopped green beans and pasta to the soup. Continue simmering for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to further develop.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Sauté vegetables slowly to develop a deeper, more complex taste.
- Choose short pasta like ditalini or small shells that hold up well in soup.
- Don't overcook the pasta—aim for al dente texture to prevent mushiness.
- For extra richness, consider adding a parmesan rind while simmering.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make extra!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
