Welcome to a taste of Italy right in your kitchen! If you're searching for a heartwarming dish that bursts with flavor and is packed with wholesome ingredients, look no further than Mama Mia's Minestrone Soup. This delightful recipe is not just a meal; it's a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for any season. With its vibrant vegetables, hearty beans, and tender pasta, this soup is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the secrets of crafting this Italian classic that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 cup pasta (small shapes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Prepare your vegetables by dicing the onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for another 3-4 minutes, mixing well with the other vegetables.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices, and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Drain and rinse the kidney beans, then add them to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Incorporate the pasta into the soup, stirring gently. Let the minestrone simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
- Once the pasta is cooked and the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy Mama Mia's Minestrone Soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To streamline your cooking process, chop all your vegetables in advance. This will make it easier to toss everything together quickly when you're ready to cook.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. Fresh basil, for example, adds a burst of flavor that elevates the soup to new heights.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add any seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Spinach, green beans, or bell peppers can make great additions to your minestrone.
- Perfect Pasta: To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, add it towards the end of the cooking time. This ensures it remains al dente and adds the perfect texture to your soup.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the broth.
- Make it Ahead: Minestrone soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for a quick and delicious meal throughout the week.
- Serve with Style: Enhance your presentation by drizzling a little olive oil on top before serving, and don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
