This hearty minestrone soup, is a rustic and nourishing vegetable-packed dish that celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s a comforting classic, known for its flexibility and seasonal adaptability. With a base of sautéed garlic and onion, the soup builds in layers of celery, carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, and creamy white beans. The optional addition of macaroni transforms it into a more filling meal. Perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for several days of cozy lunches or dinners, this minestrone is a timeless celebration of humble ingredients done right.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (diced )
- 1 potato (diced, with peel)
- 3 stalks celery (diced)
- 5 oz green peas (frozen )
- 7 oz whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 kale (chopped )
- 5 oz spinach (chopped)
- 1 zucchini (chopped )
- 15 oz diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 15 oz chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 14 oz chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- salt (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, potato, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 2: Build the Base
- Add diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
- Stir in kale, spinach, zucchini, green peas, corn, and chickpeas.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Simmer
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Adjust and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with bread or crackers.
Tips
- Add small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni) during the last 10 minutes for a classic minestrone style.
- Swap chickpeas for white beans or kidney beans for a different texture.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add Parmesan rind while simmering for deeper Italian flavor.
- Stir in fresh basil or parsley before serving for brightness.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar at the end to lift the flavors.
- For a thicker soup, mash some potatoes or chickpeas directly in the pot.
- To reduce sodium, use low-salt broth and tomatoes.
- Add pasta and greens separately if planning leftovers to prevent over-softening.
Nutrition
Calories: 121kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 5gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 186mgPotassium: 395mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 321IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 2mg
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