Hearty Vegan Minestrone Soup
This Hearty Vegan Minestrone Soup is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, perfect for those chilly winter evenings. Inspired by a traditional Italian recipe, this version is packed with fresh vegetables and hearty beans, making it a comforting and nutritious meal for everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences. Made with robust ingredients like creamy cannellini beans, tender macaroni, and fragrant herbs, this soup is satisfying and whimsical. Enjoy it as a cozy dinner or a savory lunch—each bowl is a warm hug in a mug. Pair it with crusty garlic bread for an unforgettable experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (Used for sautéing.)
Onion
1 (Thinly sliced.)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced (approximately 2 teaspoons).)
Canned diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (No preparation needed.)
Chopped sage
1 tablespoon (Can be fresh or dried.)
Fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (Chopped.)
Celery
1 stalk (Thinly sliced.)
Carrot
1 (Diced.)
Vegetable stock
3 1/2 cups (No preparation needed.)
Salt
to taste (Used for seasoning.)
Pepper
to taste (Used for seasoning.)
Uncooked macaroni
1/2 cup (No preparation needed.)
Canned Great Northern beans
1 (15 ounce) can (Rinsed and drained.)
Green peas
1 cup (Frozen.)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (Preferably freshly grated.)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become soft and translucent.
2
Reduce the heat slightly and incorporate the canned diced tomatoes, chopped sage, and fresh flat-leaf parsley. Cover the pan and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
3
Next, carefully pour in the vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat, cover it, and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes.
4
Season your soup generously with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Stir in the uncooked macaroni, diced carrots, sliced celery, and rinsed Great Northern beans. Let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the macaroni is al dente and all vegetables are tender.
6
Finally, mix in the frozen green peas and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
7
Before serving, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy finish.
8
For a complete meal, serve your minestrone soup with hunks of garlic bread or ciabatta. Place the bread in individual serving bowls, allowing it to soak up the flavors, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Vegan Minestrone Soup?
Hearty Vegan Minestrone Soup is a plant-based twist on the classic Italian dish, filled with fresh vegetables, beans, and macaroni for a nutritious and comforting meal.
How do I start cooking the soup?
Begin by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then sauté thinly sliced onions and minced garlic until the onions are soft.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of chopped sage (fresh or dried) and two tablespoons of fresh flat-leaf parsley.
How long should the vegetable stock simmer?
After adding the vegetable stock and bringing it to a boil, you should lower the heat and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes.
What kind of beans are included in this minestrone?
This recipe uses one 15-ounce can of Great Northern beans, which should be rinsed and drained before adding.
When should I add the macaroni?
Stir in the uncooked macaroni along with the carrots, celery, and beans after the initial 30-minute simmer of the stock.
How long does the macaroni take to cook in the soup?
The macaroni and vegetables should simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the vegetables are tender.
Are the green peas fresh or frozen?
The recipe specifies using one cup of frozen green peas, added near the end of the cooking process.
Is the Parmesan cheese vegan?
While the recipe title is vegan, the ingredient list mentions Parmesan cheese; to keep it strictly vegan, use a plant-based Parmesan alternative.
How much vegetable stock is required?
You will need 3 1/2 cups of vegetable stock for this recipe.
What size of diced tomatoes should I use?
Use one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While 1/2 cup of macaroni is recommended, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini or shells.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves, which is roughly 2 teaspoons.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the soup with crusty garlic bread or ciabatta placed in the bowls to soak up the broth, and sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.
Should I peel the carrots and celery?
The recipe suggests dicing the carrot and thinly slicing the celery; peeling the carrot is optional depending on your preference.
When do I add the tomatoes and herbs?
Add the canned diced tomatoes, sage, and parsley after sautéing the onions and garlic, then cook for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
How do I season the soup?
Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste after the stock has simmered for 30 minutes.
How long do the frozen peas need to cook?
Mix in the frozen peas and cook for about 5 minutes until they are heated through.
Is this soup good for winter?
Yes, it is specifically described as a delightful dish perfect for chilly winter evenings.
Can I use dried parsley?
The recipe calls for fresh flat-leaf parsley, but you can substitute dried parsley if needed, though fresh provides more flavor.
What are the main vegetables in this minestrone?
The main vegetables include onion, garlic, tomatoes, celery, carrots, and green peas.
How much macaroni is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of uncooked macaroni.
What type of onion is best?
The recipe doesn't specify, but yellow or white onions work well for sautéing.
What is the texture of the beans?
The Great Northern beans provide a creamy and hearty texture to the soup.
Does this recipe contain any fat?
Yes, it contains healthy fats from the 2 tablespoons of olive oil used for sautéing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is labeled as both vegan and vegetarian.
How many ingredients are in the soup?
There are a total of 15 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Can I use cannellini beans instead?
Yes, the description mentions cannellini beans as an inspiration, so they are an excellent substitute for Great Northern beans.
How do I achieve a creamy finish?
Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative) just before serving for a creamy finish.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, minestrone often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, though you may need to add a splash of stock as the pasta absorbs liquid.