Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup

A thick Italian soup made with vegetables, beans, and whatever else you have on hand. Great for family dinner and lunch. Leftovers can last a week in the fridge, freeze what you have left for later meals.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Italian
Servings 15 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large onion diced
  • 6 carrots diced
  • 5 celery sticks diced
  • 8 oz tomato paste
  • 4-6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or a mix of rosemary, oregano, thyme, basil and parsley
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 quart vegetable broth
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 2 cans white beans Cannellini, Navy, Great Northern, or any white bean of your preference. Can substitute Kidney Beans
  • 1 10-12 oz bag frozen green beans cut into thirds
  • 1 10 oz bag greens spinach, kale, collards, any hearty greens
  • 1 12 oz bag pasta

Instructions
 

  • Mince the garlic and set aside
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot
  • Add onions, carrots and celery-Cook for ~8-10 minutes
  • Add tomaote paste, garlic and seasoning- Cook for ~2 minutes stirring and mixing up ingredients
  • Add broth, tomatoes, water and beans-Cook for ~20-30 minutes
  • Add green beans- Cook for 1 minute
  • Turn off heat
  • Add greens and let sit for 5 minutes
  • Cook pasta separately and add to individual bowls

Notes

  • Garlic needs 10 -15 minutes to rest after cutting before cooking. This allows the allicin enzyme to form, protecting the medicinal properties of garlic.
  • I like to cut the onions first, then when the onion are cooking cut up the carrots and celery.
  • This soup can be made to what is in your pantry, fridge or freezer.
  • For pasta make on the side and add to your bowls. Keeping the pasta firm.
  • This soup is great to freeze. Enjoy for a few day, then freeze for later.
Keyword beans, vegetables