Vegetable Minestrone Variations (Printer-friendly)

Hearty Italian soup with seasonal vegetables, pasta, and beans. Perfect comfort food.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 1 small zucchini, diced
06 - 1 cup green beans, chopped
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
09 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced

→ Broth & Beans

10 - 6 cups vegetable broth
11 - 1 can (14 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
12 - 3.5 ounces small pasta
13 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Herbs & Seasonings

14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
18 - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced zucchini, and chopped green beans. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Add diced tomatoes, diced potato, and bay leaf. Cook for 2 minutes, then pour in vegetable broth.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are partially tender.
05 - Add drained cannellini beans and small pasta. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until pasta and vegetables are tender.
06 - Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
07 - Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It adapts to your mood and the seasons so you never get bored of the same bowl.
  • The leftovers actually taste better the next day as the herbs settle into the broth.
02 -
  • Adding the pasta too early will make it soggy so wait for that final ten minute window.
  • A splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar right at the end can brighten the whole pot instantly.
03 -
  • Save your Parmesan rinds in the freezer specifically for days when you make this soup.
  • If the soup gets too thick after sitting just add a splash of water or more broth when reheating.
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