Heartwarming Vegetable Minestrone
This delightful Heartwarming Vegetable Minestrone is the perfect winter companion, bursting with vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. Inspired by a cherished recipe from Anneka Manning's 'Quick Meals' collection, this soup has become a staple in my family gatherings and dinner parties. I love how it effortlessly transforms from a cozy small entree to a satisfying main meal without the prosciutto, making it suitable for anyone who prefers poultry and seafood. Loaded with fresh vegetables, creamy borlotti beans, and perfectly cooked macaroni, this soup offers warmth and comfort on chilly days. Plus, it's quick and easy to whip up, ensuring you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
brown onion
1 large (chopped)
prosciutto
150 g (thinly sliced, chopped (optional for substitution))
desiree potatoes
2 (peeled and cut into 1.5 cm pieces)
carrots
2 (peeled and chopped)
zucchini
2 (chopped)
celery ribs
2 (sliced)
diced tomatoes
1 (400 g) can (none)
vegetable stock
6 cups (none)
macaroni
55 g (dried)
borlotti beans
1 (425 g) can (rinsed and drained)
flat leaf parsley
1/3 cup (fresh, chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
parmesan cheese
25 g (finely shredded)
crusty bread
to serve (none)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion, and if using, the prosciutto. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until the onion is softened and lightly golden.
3
Incorporate the diced potatoes, chopped carrots, zucchini, and sliced celery into the pot. Stir and cook for an additional minute to allow the veggies to begin softening.
4
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with the vegetable stock. Increase the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
Stir in the dried macaroni and continue to simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
7
Add the rinsed and drained borlotti beans, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the beans are heated through.
8
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle the hearty soup into serving bowls, sprinkle generously with finely shredded parmesan, and serve alongside crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the warmth and nourishment!
Nutrition Information
12.5
Fat
53.75
Carbs
20
Protein
10
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heartwarming Vegetable Minestrone?
It is a vibrant and hearty winter soup featuring fresh vegetables, creamy borlotti beans, and macaroni, inspired by Anneka Manning's 'Quick Meals' collection.
How many calories are in a serving of this minestrone?
Each serving of this soup contains approximately 400 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it can be made vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto and ensuring the stock and parmesan used are vegetarian-friendly.
What is the protein content of this soup?
This vegetable minestrone provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
How much fiber is in one serving?
One serving of this soup contains 10 grams of dietary fiber.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 425g can of borlotti beans, which should be rinsed and drained before adding.
Which type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends using 2 Desiree potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5 cm pieces.
How much vegetable stock is needed?
You will need 6 cups of vegetable stock for this soup.
What type of pasta is added to the minestrone?
The soup includes 55 grams of dried macaroni.
How long do you cook the onion and optional prosciutto?
Cook the onion and prosciutto for about 5 minutes over medium-high heat until the onion is softened and lightly golden.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 12.5 grams per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 53.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
When do I add the macaroni to the soup?
Add the macaroni after the soup has simmered for 5 minutes, then continue simmering for another 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes brown onion, potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and celery ribs.
How is the zucchini prepared?
The two zucchini should be chopped before being added to the pot.
What type of cheese is used for serving?
The soup is served with 25 grams of finely shredded parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
What is the recommended serving side?
It is suggested to serve the minestrone alongside crusty bread for dipping.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many carrots are used?
The recipe calls for 2 carrots, which should be peeled and chopped.
What type of canned tomatoes are used?
One 400g can of diced tomatoes is used in this recipe.
Is fresh parsley used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/3 cup of fresh, chopped flat leaf parsley.
How many celery ribs are needed?
The recipe uses 2 sliced celery ribs.
Can this soup be served as a main meal?
Yes, it can be served as either a cozy small entree or a satisfying main meal.
What are the seasoning requirements?
The soup is seasoned with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients listed for this minestrone recipe.
How long does it take to heat the beans through?
Once added with the parsley and seasoning, the beans should be cooked for an additional 1-2 minutes.
What heat setting is used to bring the soup to a boil?
The heat should be increased to high to bring the tomato and stock mixture to a rolling boil.
Is the onion cooked before the other vegetables?
Yes, the onion is cooked first for 5 minutes before adding the potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and celery.
What is the texture of the macaroni when finished?
The macaroni should be cooked until it is al dente.
What is the preparation for the brown onion?
The large brown onion should be chopped before cooking.