Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone with Parmesan
Warm your soul with this Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone, a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and hearty beans simmered to perfection in a tasty tomato broth. This comforting dish is not only vegetarian but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. Enjoy it with some crusty bread and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra kick of flavor. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this minestrone is sure to impress.
4
Servings
113
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1 (chopped)
Water
3 cups
Zucchini
2 cups (chopped)
Carrot
1 cup (diced)
Beans
1 cup (chopped)
Kidney Beans
1 cup (canned and drained)
Celery
3/4 cup (diced)
Dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon
Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Black Pepper
to taste
Canned Tomatoes
400 g
Garlic Clove
1 (minced)
Macaroni
1/4 cup (uncooked)
Parmesan Cheese
4 teaspoons (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat one tablespoon of water over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
2
Add 3 cups of water along with the chopped zucchini, diced carrot, chopped beans, drained kidney beans, and diced celery. Stir to mix everything well.
3
Season with dried basil, oregano, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
After 25 minutes, add the uncooked macaroni and minced garlic. Cover again and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
6
Remove from heat and ladle the minestrone into large bowls. Top each serving with 1 teaspoon of grated parmesan cheese and serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Nutrition Information
2
Fat
19
Carbs
5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is strictly vegetarian and uses water instead of chicken broth.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 113 calories.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this minestrone?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of uncooked macaroni.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply omit the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
What beans are included in this soup?
The recipe uses one cup of canned and drained kidney beans along with one cup of chopped green beans.
Is there any oil used for sautéing the vegetables?
No, this recipe uses one tablespoon of water to sauté the onion to keep it low in fat.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 2 grams of fat per serving.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup simmers for 25 minutes before adding the pasta, and then an additional 10 minutes after adding the macaroni.
What herbs provide the flavor in this minestrone?
The flavor comes from dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic.
Which vegetables are included in the recipe?
It includes onion, zucchini, carrot, celery, and canned tomatoes.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute the 400g of canned tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes, though you may need to add a bit more liquid.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 5 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and nutritious, focusing on fresh vegetables and low fat content.
What should I serve with this minestrone?
It is recommended to serve this soup hot with crusty bread on the side.
How much parmesan cheese is used per bowl?
Each serving is topped with 1 teaspoon of grated parmesan cheese.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic toward the end of the cooking process, specifically when you add the macaroni.
How much water is needed for the broth?
You will need 3 cups of water for the main broth plus 1 tablespoon for sautéing.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 19 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I swap kidney beans for other types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute kidney beans with cannellini beans or chickpeas if preferred.
Is this a quick and easy recipe?
Yes, with a total active cooking time of around 40 minutes and simple prep, it is tagged as quick and easy.
Do I need to cook the macaroni before adding it to the soup?
No, add the macaroni uncooked; it will cook directly in the simmering broth.
How do I prepare the zucchini for this soup?
The zucchini should be chopped before being added to the pot.
What seasoning is used besides herbs?
Freshly ground black pepper is added to taste.
Can I store leftovers of this soup?
Yes, it can be refrigerated for 3-4 days, though the pasta may absorb more liquid over time.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
It contains parmesan cheese, so it is not dairy-free unless the cheese is omitted.
What size should the carrots be?
The recipe recommends dicing the carrots for even cooking.
Is this an Italian cuisine dish?
Yes, minestrone is a classic Italian-style vegetable soup.
Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly, you can add spinach, kale, or potatoes for extra heartiness.
Does the recipe include salt?
The recipe relies on black pepper and herbs for seasoning, but you can add salt to your preference.