Imagine a soup so comforting, so packed with flavor, that it transports you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy with just one spoonful. "Le Chef's Wife Minestrone" isn't just another vegetable soup - it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of taste and nutrition. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate food lover, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort dish that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup pasta (small shapes)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing, peeling, and chopping them uniformly. Dice onions, carrots, and celery into small, consistent pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and allow it to warm for 30 seconds.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and the onions turn translucent.
- Mince garlic and add to the vegetable mixture, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add drained and rinsed kidney beans to the pot. Reduce heat to low-medium and let the soup simmer for approximately 25-30 minutes.
- About 10 minutes before serving, add pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes depending on pasta shape.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to preference.
- Ladle hot minestrone into serving bowls and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Vegetable Prep is Key: Take time to chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Allow vegetables to develop deep flavors by cooking them slowly and patiently at the beginning.
- Pasta Timing Matters: Add pasta only in the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain the perfect al dente texture.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Use fresh basil for garnishing to add a bright, aromatic finish to your minestrone.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach to make the recipe your own.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a large batch for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
