Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of small pasta (e.g., elbows or shells)
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 2: Add the Zucchini and Tomatoes
Add the diced zucchini and the can of diced tomatoes (juice included) to the pot. Stir well to combine with the sautéed aromatics. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring it covers all the ingredients. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta
Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, add the small pasta to the pot. Cook until the pasta is al dente, following the package’s instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your delicious minestrone is now ready to be served! Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread. The warm flavors and the heartiness of this minestrone will not disappoint!
Now that you have a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a mouthwatering minestrone, it’s time to get cooking! Impress your family and friends with this comforting and nutritious Italian classic. Buon appetito!
Remember to always adjust the recipe based on your personal preferences and dietary restrictions.