What You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup dried pasta (your choice)
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Toss in the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they start to soften.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta separately according to its package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Add the cooked pasta, kidney beans, and cannellini beans to the pot. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and dried basil. Stir to combine everything together.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve hot, garnished with some grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Add some diced potatoes or butternut squash for extra heartiness.
- Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Consider using vegetable stock instead of vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan alternative.
And there you have it – a delightful and nourishing bowl of homemade minestrone soup! This Italian classic is perfect for any occasion and will surely become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and embrace the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen. Buon appetito!