When it gets cold outside, nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade minestrone soup. This Italian recipe is full of winter veggies and beans, making it a complete meal. I’m excited to share my Hearty Winter Vegetable Minestrone Soup recipe.
The mix of veggies adds a fun texture and rich flavors that you’ll love. This is perfect for cold nights and family dinners. This soup will quickly become a favorite, thanks to its mix of winter produce and warm broth.
What Gives Minestrone That Depth of Flavor?
The secret to a flavorful minestrone soup is in its ingredients. Minestrone flavor comes from a mix of seasonal veggies, aromatic herbs, and savory beans.
Sautéing onions, garlic, and celery is key. It brings out their natural sweetness and aromas. This creates a strong base for the soup.
Then, adding various veggies like carrots, potatoes, and leafy greens adds texture and taste. These veggies add depth and sweetness to the soup.
Beans, broth, and tomato paste or diced tomatoes complete the flavor. Beans make it creamy, while broth and tomatoes add a rich, savory taste.
With the right ingredients and cooking, minestrone becomes a satisfying, flavorful dish. It’s perfect for warming up on cold winter days.
What is the Thickening Agent for Minestrone?
Minestrone soup is a hearty and comforting dish. It gets its thickness from a natural process. The starch from beans and vegetables thickens the broth, making it creamy and satisfying. But for a thicker soup, just add a little tomato paste.
You can make the minestrone even more substantial. Adding a small amount of pasta is a simple way to do this. Ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni work well. The starches from the pasta thicken the broth, making the soup creamier and more indulgent.
This approach doesn’t need complicated techniques or ingredients. Just stir in a handful of small pasta shapes. You can turn a basic minestrone into a heartier, more thickening minestrone that’s perfect for how to thicken minestrone and making minestrone creamy. It’s an easy way to elevate this classic Italian-inspired soup.
Hearty Winter Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe
Warm up on a cold winter day with a comforting bowl of homemade minestrone soup. This seasonal version is packed with winter vegetables, beans, and a small amount of pasta. It’s a filling and satisfying soup with great flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
2. Add the garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the zucchini, diced tomatoes, and cannellini beans. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the pasta and continue simmering for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
6. Season the homemade minestrone soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Ladle the how to make minestrone soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Minestrone soup is perfect for cold winter nights. It’s filled with seasonal veggies and beans to warm you up. The longer it sits, the better the flavors get, making it great for leftovers.
Adding Parmesan cheese on top gives it a salty, savory taste. The mix of veggies adds texture and flavor. You can also add small pasta for extra filling. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, great for chilly nights.
If you’re looking for a comforting soup or want to use seasonal produce, this recipe is a hit. Its rich flavors and hearty texture make it a winter favorite in any home.
This recipe is part of my 119 Hearty Winter Recipes You’ll Love When It Gets Cold. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
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