Name: Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 ribs celery (chopped); 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced); 1 cup chopped green beans; 1 medium zucchini (chopped); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth); 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans (drained); 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (drained); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon sugar; 3/4 cup small pasta (elbow, shells, etc.); Salt and pepper (to taste); Grated parmesan cheese (for serving)

Description

A hearty and wholesome Minestrone Soup packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and small pasta, simmered to perfection in a flavorful tomato and vegetable broth. This comforting Italian classic is perfect for a cozy meal and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 medium onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 ribs celery (chopped)
2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
1 cup chopped green beans
1 medium zucchini (chopped)

Liquids & Canned Goods

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
1 (15-ounce) can white beans (drained)

Seasonings & Others

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cup small pasta (elbow, shells, etc.)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Grated parmesan cheese (for serving)

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and sliced carrots. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, red kidney beans, white beans, chopped green beans, and chopped zucchini. Stir in the Italian seasoning and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Cook the Pasta and Season: Stir in the small pasta and continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

Use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian or chicken broth for a richer flavor.
Feel free to substitute the small pasta shapes with gluten-free pasta if needed.
The addition of sugar helps balance the acidity of the crushed tomatoes.
Adjust the seasoning and beans based on preference or availability.
This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.