Ingredients
- 1 cup of dried mixed beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Soaking the Beans
Start by soaking the dried mixed beans overnight in a large bowl of water. This will help soften the beans and reduce the cooking time. Drain the beans in the morning and set them aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent. Then, add the diced carrots, celery, and zucchini, and continue cooking for 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 3: Adding the Beans and Tomatoes
Next, add the soaked mixed beans to the pot, along with the can of diced tomatoes. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Cooking the Soup
Pour in the vegetable broth and season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Give the soup a good stir, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the beans are tender.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and garnish with some fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread on the side for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the wonderful flavors of this homemade Italian Legume Minestrone Soup!
Closing Thoughts
Making a delicious Italian Legume Minestrone Soup is easier than you think. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a wholesome and tasty meal that will warm your soul. So why not give it a try? Gather the ingredients, followed the instructions, and soon enough, you’ll be savoring a bowl of this hearty soup in the comfort of your own home. Buon appetito!