Minestrone soup is a traditional Italian dish that celebrates the bounty of fresh vegetables, beans, and simple herbs. This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for any time of the year and is both nourishing and satisfying. In this article, I will instruct you how to make an old fashioned minestrone soup, along with tips to perfect it and instructions for storing leftovers.

1. Old Fashioned Minestrone Soup Recipe (6 Servings)

Ingredients

  • 2 medium carrots, diced into small cubes
  • 2 small zucchinis, diced into small cubes
  • 1 large onion, diced into small cubes
  • 2 celery stalks, diced into small cubes
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 32 oz vegetable broth
  • 15 oz canned Great Northern beans, drained
  • 15 oz canned kidney beans, drained
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp dry basil
  • 1 cup macaroni pasta or ditalini
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the canned diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Stir to combine.

Mix in the Italian seasoning and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the diced zucchinis, Great Northern beans, and kidney beans. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the macaroni or ditalini pasta to the pot and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

2. Tips To Perfect Minestrone Soup

Fresh Ingredients Are Key: Use fresh vegetables whenever possible to maximize flavor and texture. Seasonal vegetables can be swapped in to make the soup even more authentic.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the pasta toward the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. Alternatively, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls before serving.

Layer the Flavors: Start by sautéing the aromatics (onion, celery, carrots, and garlic) to create a flavorful base for the soup.

Use High-Quality Tomatoes and Beans: Opt for canned tomatoes and beans with no added preservatives for a cleaner taste. Rinse canned beans thoroughly before adding them to reduce excess sodium.

Customize the Broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water. For more flavor, try adding a Parmesan rind to the pot while the soup simmers. This will infuse the broth with a rich, cheesy depth.

Make It Your Own: Minestrone is endlessly adaptable. Feel free to add leafy greens like spinach or kale, or experiment with other vegetables like green beans or potatoes.

3. How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

Minestrone soup is an excellent make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing in the Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing the Soup: Minestrone freezes beautifully. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Avoid adding pasta before freezing, as it can become overly soft when reheated. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: For refrigerated leftovers, heat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much. If reheating from frozen, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before warming it on the stovetop.

This Old Fashioned Minestrone Soup is a classic recipe that’s both wholesome and satisfying. With its combination of beans, vegetables, and pasta, it’s a meal in itself that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow the instructions in this article to make this delicious soup—enjoy it fresh or savor it as leftovers!

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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