Introduction
Minestrone is a hearty Italian soup packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious meal. This recipe combines a variety of ingredients to create a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. With the addition of crispy bacon for flavor and a variety of vegetables for texture and nutrients, this minestrone is sure to satisfy.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tbsp olive oil
150g / 5oz bacon, finely chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
800g/ 28oz crushed tomato (or 700g passata)
2 cups chicken stock/broth, low sodium
2 cups water
3 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
400g/ 14oz canned kidney beans, drained
1 tsp EACH salt and pepper
1 cup small pasta, like ditalini, tiny shells, risoni/orzo, baby macaroni, alphabet or star pasta
1/4 cup parmesan, grated
Vegetables:
1 celery rib, chopped into 1.5cm / 1/2″ pieces
1 large carrot, peeled and diced into 1.5cm / 1/2″ pieces
1 zucchini, chopped into 1.5cm / 1/2″ pieces
1 potato, cut into 1.5cm / 1/2″ pieces (peel if needed)
100g / 3oz green beans, trimmed then cut into 2cm / 3/5″ lengths
2oz / 60g baby spinach (or frozen spinach, kale, or similar – can leave out)
For serving – optional:
More parmesan
Chopped parsley
Crusty bread for dunking
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 5 (very big bowls!)
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pot
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat in a very large pot.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Add 150g of finely chopped bacon to the pot. Cook until the bacon starts to turn golden, which should take about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and the bacon is light golden, which should take an additional 2 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate the Vegetables
Add the diced carrot, chopped celery, and zucchini to the pot. Stir for 1 minute to ensure the vegetables are coated in the flavor of the bacon and aromatics.
Step 5: Add Base Ingredients
Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or passata), chicken stock, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, drained kidney beans, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Simmer the Broth
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes.
Step 7: Add Potato and Green Beans
After 20 minutes, add the diced potato and trimmed green beans to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 8: Cook the Pasta
Add the small pasta of your choice to the pot. Cook for the time indicated on the pasta packet, MINUS 1.5 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Step 9: Final Touches
Remove the pot from the stove. Stir in the grated parmesan and baby spinach. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 10: Serve
Serve the minestrone hot, garnished with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired. Accompany with warm crusty bread for dunking!
Notes
Vegetable Variations
You can use any suitable vegetables that you prefer. Just make sure to add them to the pot based on their cooking times.
Vegetarian Option
To make the soup vegetarian, skip the bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Enhance the broth’s flavor by increasing parmesan to 75g or adding 2 teaspoons of vegetable stock powder.
Anchovy Addition
For a meat-free option that still adds umami, consider adding 3 finely chopped anchovies or 2 teaspoons of anchovy paste halfway through cooking the onion.
Storage Instructions
If you adjust the pasta cooking time to 1.5 minutes less than suggested, the soup will store well for 3 to 4 days. The pasta will absorb some liquid, making it thicker over time—consider it a soup on day 1 and a stew from day 2 onwards.
Freezing Instructions
The minestrone soup freezes well. Let it cool, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat using your preferred method before serving.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking method in which you cook food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, begin by heating olive oil and then adding bacon, garlic, and onion. The goal is to lightly brown the ingredients, enhancing their flavors.
Simmering
Simmering involves cooking food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. After adding the remaining ingredients, bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and allow it to simmer gently. This technique helps meld the flavors together and cook the vegetables thoroughly.
Stirring
Stirring ensures that ingredients mix evenly and prevents them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Be sure to stir after adding each component, particularly when introducing pasta and baby spinach, to distribute them evenly throughout the soup.
Tasting and Adjusting
Tasting and adjusting is an important cooking technique that allows you to refine the flavors of your dish. After removing the pot from the heat, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Garnishing
Garnishing enhances the presentation and flavor of your dish. In this recipe, consider sprinkling extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley on top when serving, adding visual appeal and a burst of freshness.
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage ensures your dish maintains its flavor and texture. Allow the minestrone soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers for refrigeration or freezing. When reheating, do so gently to preserve the ingredients’ integrity.
FAQ
Can I use other vegetables in this minestrone recipe?
Yes, you can use any vegetables you like that are suitable for soup. Add them based on their cooking times.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make the recipe vegetarian, skip the bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can enhance the flavor with extra Parmesan or vegetable stock powder.
How long does the soup keep in the fridge?
The soup keeps for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, but the pasta may absorb liquid and make it thicker over time.
Can I freeze the minestrone soup?
Yes, the soup freezes well. Cool it completely, then freeze in airtight containers. Thaw and reheat when ready to eat.
What types of pasta can I use in this minestrone?
You can use small pasta shapes like ditalini, tiny shells, risoni/orzo, baby macaroni, alphabet, or star pasta for this recipe.
Conclusion
This minestrone soup recipe showcases a harmony of flavors through its combination of hearty vegetables, savory bacon, and the richness of tomatoes and broth. It’s a versatile dish that caters to various dietary preferences, allowing you to easily adapt it by swapping ingredients or omitting the bacon for a vegetarian option. This satisfying soup not only warms the stomach but also nourishes the soul, making it perfect for family meals or gatherings. Enjoy its rustic charm in every bowl.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Lentil Soup
Substitute bacon with lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian option, while maintaining the same hearty vegetables. Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Chickpea and Spinach Stew
Use canned chickpeas instead of kidney beans and include extra spices like cumin and coriander for an aromatic twist. Serve with crusty bread.
Pasta e Fagioli
Replace the beans with a combination of cannellini beans and small pasta shapes, focusing on Italian herbs for a traditional flavor profile.
Potato and Leek Soup
For a creamy alternative, blend the soup after cooking to create a velvety texture. Add leeks for added depth and flavor.
Butternut Squash and Sage Soup
Incorporate roasted butternut squash and fresh sage into the mix for a fall-inspired twist. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Bisque
Combine roasted red bell peppers with the crushed tomatoes for a smoky flavor and finish with a touch of cream for richness.
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Add bell peppers filled with rice, ground meat, and spices into the pot for a hearty meal. Adjust seasonings based on preferred flavor profile.
Mushroom Barley Soup
Swap out pasta for barley and add a variety of mushrooms for an earthy, filling soup. Enhance the umami flavor with a splash of soy sauce.
