Hearty Vegetable Minestrone
This Hearty Vegetable Minestrone is a nourishing blend of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this comforting soup is perfect for sharing with family and friends on a cold day. The combination of seasonal vegetables and zesty herbs makes this dish not only hearty but also vibrant and satisfying. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian touch.
12
Servings
350
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
garlic
2 (cloves, chopped)
onion
1 (medium, chopped)
cabbage
3 (cups, chopped (approximately half a medium head))
zucchini
2 (small, chopped (about 2 cups))
carrots
1 (medium, sliced (about 1 cup))
celery
1 (stalk, chopped (about 1 cup))
whole tomatoes
28 (ounce can, undrained)
garbanzo beans
1 (can, rinsed and drained)
kidney beans
1 (can, rinsed and drained)
spinach
10 (ounce package, thawed and drained)
chicken broth
4 (cups)
tomato juice
46 (ounces)
dry white wine
1 (cup)
dried basil leaves
1 (tablespoon)
oregano
1/2 (teaspoon)
pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
pasta
2 (cups, uncooked (small shells or chili mac))
Parmesan cheese
to taste (grated, if desired)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped garlic and onion, cooking for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes tender and translucent, stirring occasionally.
3
Stir in the chopped cabbage, zucchini, carrots, and celery, allowing them to sauté for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
4
Add the undrained whole tomatoes, using a spoon to break them up, along with the rinsed and drained garbanzo beans and kidney beans.
5
Incorporate the thawed spinach, chicken broth, tomato juice, white wine, dried basil, oregano, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
After 30 minutes, add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
8
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
52
Carbs
18
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Vegetable Minestrone?
It is a nourishing blend of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth, perfect for cold days.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this soup?
There are 18 grams of protein per serving.
What are the main vegetables used in this minestrone?
The soup includes cabbage, zucchini, carrots, celery, and spinach.
What types of beans are included?
The recipe calls for one can each of garbanzo beans and kidney beans.
How much fat is in a single serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 52 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe specifies using one tablespoon of olive oil.
How long should I cook the garlic and onion?
Sauté the chopped garlic and onion for about 2 minutes until tender and translucent.
How long do the fresh vegetables need to sauté?
The cabbage, zucchini, carrots, and celery should sauté for 5 to 7 minutes.
How should I prepare the whole canned tomatoes?
Add the undrained tomatoes to the pot and use a spoon to break them up into smaller pieces.
What liquid components are added to the soup?
The base consists of chicken broth, tomato juice, and dry white wine.
What herbs and spices season this soup?
The soup is seasoned with dried basil leaves, oregano, and pepper.
How long does the soup simmer before adding pasta?
The mixture should simmer covered for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
How much pasta is needed for the recipe?
You will need 2 cups of uncooked pasta, such as small shells or chili mac.
How long does the pasta take to cook in the soup?
Simmer for an additional 30 minutes after adding the pasta until it is tender.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged as a great option for meal prep.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
While the recipe uses chicken broth, you can easily substitute it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
What should I serve as a garnish?
The soup is best served with a topping of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much tomato juice is required?
The recipe calls for 46 ounces of tomato juice.
What amount of white wine is used?
One cup of dry white wine is added to the broth.
Do I need to drain the beans?
Yes, both the garbanzo and kidney beans should be rinsed and drained before adding them.
How much cabbage does the recipe require?
It requires 3 cups of chopped cabbage, which is about half a medium head.
Is the spinach used fresh or frozen?
The recipe uses a 10-ounce package of thawed and drained frozen spinach.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for cooking this minestrone.
How many carrots and celery stalks are needed?
One medium carrot and one stalk of celery are used.
What is the measurement for dried basil?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of dried basil leaves.
How much oregano is added?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.
What amount of chicken broth is included?
The recipe requires 4 cups of chicken broth.