Gather Your Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup of green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of small pasta (such as elbow or ditalini)
- 2 teaspoons of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the drained and rinsed kidney beans to the pot. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Also, add the small pasta and let it cook for the time specified on the pasta package or until al dente.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your delicious minestrone soup is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Minestrone soup is a versatile dish, so feel free to customize it based on your preferences. You can add other vegetables like spinach, cabbage, or bell peppers, use different types of beans, or even experiment with different herbs and spices. The key is to make it your own and enjoy the process of preparing and savoring this classic Italian soup. Buon appetito!