Hearty Vegetable Minestrone with Ditalini
Dive into a bowl of comfort with this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone with Ditalini. Packed with a rainbow of fresh vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and celery, along with protein-rich cannellini beans, this vibrant soup is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. The aromatic blend of spices, particularly basil and oregano, rounds out the flavors beautifully, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether served as a light meal or a starter, this minestrone is best enjoyed hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or some crusty bread on the side. Share the warmth and joy of homemade cooking with family and friends!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
chopped onion
3/4 cup (chopped)
water
3 cups (none)
diced zucchini
2 cups (diced)
diced carrot
1 cup (peeled and diced)
cannellini beans
1 cup (canned or any other white beans)
diced celery
3/4 cup (diced)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (optional: substitute with 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped)
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
coarse ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
canned plum tomatoes
28 fluid ounces (diced, with liquid included)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
uncooked ditalini or elbow macaroni
1/4 cup (uncooked)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and lightly browned.
3
Pour in the water, then add the diced zucchini, peeled and diced carrots, cannellini beans, diced celery, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, canned plum tomatoes (including juices), and minced garlic.
4
Stir well to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and let the soup simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
After 25 minutes, stir in the uncooked ditalini or elbow macaroni. Cover the saucepan and allow it to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
7
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as necessary.
8
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread!
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
25g
Carbs
6g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Vegetable Minestrone with Ditalini?
It is a nutritious and comforting soup packed with a variety of vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and celery, along with cannellini beans and ditalini pasta.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
This minestrone includes zucchini, carrots, celery, onion, and canned plum tomatoes.
How long does it take to simmer the soup before adding pasta?
The soup should be covered and simmered for 25 minutes after reaching a boil before you add the pasta.
Can I substitute ditalini pasta with something else?
Yes, you can use elbow macaroni as an alternative to ditalini pasta.
Is this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as vegetarian.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
What kind of beans are used in this minestrone?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cannellini beans, but any other white beans can be used.
How much olive oil is needed for sautéing?
You will need 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried basil with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil.
Should I drain the canned plum tomatoes?
No, you should include the liquid from the 28 fluid ounce can of plum tomatoes.
How long does the pasta need to cook in the soup?
The pasta should cook for an additional 10 minutes once added to the simmering soup.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone recipe.
How much fiber is in one serving?
Each serving contains 5 grams of fiber.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of garlic that should be minced.
What is the first step in making this soup?
The first step is to heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
How much water is required for the soup base?
The recipe requires 3 cups of water.
How much protein is in this minestrone?
There are 6 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This soup is low in fat, containing only 2 grams per serving.
What should I look for when sautéing the onions?
Sauté the onions for about 4 minutes until they become translucent and lightly browned.
Is this soup considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich beans.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be peeled and diced before being added to the soup.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the soup?
Yes, you should taste the soup at the end and adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs as necessary.
What is the best way to serve this minestrone?
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired, and enjoy it with crusty bread.
What specific spices are used to flavor the soup?
The primary spices used are dried basil and dried oregano, along with salt and coarse ground black pepper.
How much zucchini is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of diced zucchini.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple sautéing and simmering.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 28 fluid ounces of canned plum tomatoes.
How much celery should I add?
You should add 3/4 cup of diced celery.
What is the texture of the finished soup?
It is a hearty and vibrant soup filled with tender vegetables and soft pasta.