Hearty Low-Fat Minestrone Medley
Savor the heartwarming flavors of this Hearty Low-Fat Minestrone Medley, an ideal vegetarian dish designed to nourish both the body and soul. This comforting soup blends vibrant seasonal vegetables, protein-rich beans, and aromatic herbs, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week, this recipe comes from a treasured Betty Crocker Low-Fat cookbook, ensuring deliciousness without compromising on health. Enjoy it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor!
8
Servings
200
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped (about 1 medium))
green cabbage
3 cups (chopped (about 1/2 medium head))
zucchini
2 cups (chopped (about 2 small))
carrot
1 cup (sliced (about 2 medium))
celery
1 cup (chopped (about 2 medium stalks))
vegetable broth
4 cups
tomato juice
4 cups (I use a whole large can)
dry red wine
1 cup
dried basil
1 tablespoon
salt
1 teaspoon
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
whole tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (undrained)
garbanzo beans
1 (14 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
kidney beans
1 (14 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
frozen chopped spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (thawed and squeezed to drain)
grated parmesan cheese
to taste (if desired)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
0.9g
Fat
35g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Low-Fat Minestrone Medley?
It is a comforting vegetarian soup that blends seasonal vegetables, protein-rich beans, and aromatic herbs in a flavorful broth, based on a classic Betty Crocker recipe.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe uses vegetable oil, vegetable broth, and various plant-based ingredients, making it completely vegetarian.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this minestrone medley contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
This is a low-fat recipe with only 0.9g of fat per serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings, making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prep.
What kind of beans are included in this soup?
The recipe includes one 14-ounce can of garbanzo beans and one 14-ounce can of kidney beans.
What vegetables are used in the medley?
The vegetable medley consists of onion, green cabbage, zucchini, carrots, celery, and spinach.
Can I substitute the dry red wine?
Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can replace the 1 cup of dry red wine with an equal amount of additional vegetable broth or water.
How much protein is in this soup?
Each serving provides 7.5g of protein, primarily sourced from the garbanzo and kidney beans.
What are the primary herbs used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with dried basil, dried oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Is this recipe high in carbohydrates?
There are 35g of carbohydrates per serving, which come from the beans and various vegetables.
How should I prepare the spinach for this recipe?
Use one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and squeezed to drain excess liquid.
Do I need to drain the whole tomatoes?
No, the recipe specifies using one 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes undrained.
What liquid base is used for the soup?
The base consists of 4 cups of vegetable broth, 4 cups of tomato juice, and 1 cup of dry red wine.
Can I add Parmesan cheese?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the soup with grated Parmesan cheese to taste for an extra layer of flavor.
Is this soup suitable for a low-fat diet?
Absolutely, it was specifically designed as a low-fat dish and contains less than 1 gram of fat per serving.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the specific serving size in cups isn't listed, the entire recipe is intended to be divided into 8 equal portions.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, though canned whole tomatoes are specified for convenience and juice content, you can substitute fresh tomatoes if you include extra liquid.
How do I prepare the beans before adding them?
Both the garbanzo and kidney beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the soup.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates the sugar content is negligible or not specifically tracked, though natural sugars from vegetables and tomato juice are present.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 19 ingredients included in this Hearty Low-Fat Minestrone Medley.
What type of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Can I use fresh cabbage?
Yes, you should use about 1/2 of a medium head of green cabbage, chopped to make 3 cups.
Is this soup considered 'comfort food'?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as a heartwarming dish designed to nourish the body and soul.
Is there any cholesterol in this dish?
The recipe is primarily plant-based; unless you add a large amount of Parmesan cheese, the cholesterol content is naturally very low or zero.
Can I add pasta to this minestrone?
While not in the original ingredient list, minestrone often pairs well with small pasta shapes like ditalini or shells.
What makes this 'Medley' different from regular minestrone?
It features a wide variety of seasonal vegetables and a specific blend of tomato juice and red wine for a deeper broth flavor.
Is this a Betty Crocker recipe?
Yes, this recipe is sourced from a treasured Betty Crocker Low-Fat cookbook.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Although the specific fiber count isn't listed in the data, the high volume of beans and vegetables ensures a good source of dietary fiber.