Looking for a quick, tasty meal this winter? My Minute Winter Minestrone Soup is perfect for you! Packed with fresh veggies and hearty flavors, this soup warms you up in no time. In just a few simple steps, you can create a filling dish that will satisfy your cravings. Plus, you can customize it to your liking! Let’s dive into the tasty ingredients and easy steps to make this comforting bowl of goodness.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This minestrone soup is packed with vegetables and pasta, making it a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
- Easy to Make:
- Nutritious and Healthy: Loaded with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, this soup is a wholesome choice for any time of the year.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by using seasonal vegetables or your favorite pasta shapes for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Diced onion
- Minced garlic
- Diced carrots
- Diced celery
- Diced zucchini
- Frozen green beans
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Vegetable broth
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Cooked pasta
- Salt and black pepper
- Chopped kale or spinach
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
To create a warm bowl of Minute Winter Minestrone Soup, gather these simple ingredients. You need olive oil to kick off the cooking. Diced onion adds a sweet base. Minced garlic brings in a nice aroma. Diced carrots and celery add crunch and color. Diced zucchini gives a soft texture. Frozen green beans offer convenience and nutrition.
Canned diced tomatoes add a rich flavor. Vegetable broth forms the soup's heart. Dried basil and oregano bring a lovely herbal note. Cooked pasta adds substance. Season with salt and black pepper to suit your taste. Finally, chopped kale or spinach provides a fresh, green finish. If you like, top with Parmesan cheese for a creamy touch. Enjoy making this easy and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Base
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 1 small, finely diced onion. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced carrots, and 1 diced celery stalk. Cook these for about 3 minutes. Stir often until the vegetables soften.
Step 2: Incorporating Vegetables
Now, it’s time to add more color and flavor. Stir in 1 diced zucchini and 1 cup of frozen green beans. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently until the zucchini is just tender.
Step 3: Combining Broth and Seasonings
Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes (including all the juices) and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Step 4: Simmering the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to meld nicely.
Step 5: Adding Final Ingredients
After simmering, mix in 1 cup of cooked pasta (like ditalini or macaroni) and 1 cup of roughly chopped kale or spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens wilt and the pasta warms. Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Enjoy the warm, hearty goodness of your soup!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Flavor
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Use fresh herbs for added freshness. Basil or parsley can uplift the taste.
Cooking Techniques
- Sautéing vegetables builds a better base flavor. Heat olive oil, then add onion.
- Simmering is key for flavor development. Let the soup cook gently for ten minutes.
Presentation Suggestions
- Serve with Parmesan cheese. It adds a creamy touch to the soup.
- Garnish with basil or a drizzle of olive oil. This makes the dish look special.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables when possible, as they enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the soup.
- Customize the Greens: Feel free to swap kale or spinach with other leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens for a different taste and texture.
- Make it a Meal: Add protein such as canned beans or diced chicken to turn this soup into a heartier meal.
- Store Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Variations
Protein Additions
You can boost this soup with extra protein in simple ways.
- Adding cooked beans: Black beans or cannellini beans work great. They add protein and fiber. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Incorporating cooked chicken or sausage: If you have leftover chicken or sausage, chop it up and add it to the soup. This makes it heartier and adds flavor.
Vegetable Substitutions
Feel free to switch up the veggies to match what you have at home.
- Seasonal veggies suitable for winter: Think root vegetables like parsnips or turnips. They add great texture and flavor.
- Using canned vegetables for convenience: Canned corn or peas can work in a pinch. Just rinse and add them to the soup.
Gluten-Free Options
Making this soup gluten-free is easy with a few swaps.
- Swap pasta for gluten-free alternatives: Look for gluten-free pasta shapes like rice or quinoa pasta. They fit well in this soup.
- Ensure vegetable broth is gluten-free: Check the label on your broth. Some contain gluten, but many brands offer gluten-free options.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store leftovers, let the soup cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. I recommend keeping it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain the flavor and texture. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing Instructions
For freezing, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. It can last in the freezer for about three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring often, until hot.
Shelf Life
Refrigerated soup lasts about three days. If you freeze it, you can enjoy it for up to three months. Always check for spoilage. If it smells off or shows mold, it's best to toss it. Enjoy your soup safely!
FAQs
How long does it take to make Minute Winter Minestrone Soup?
It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. This means you can enjoy a warm bowl of soup in just 30 minutes!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool. Then, store it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it in a sealed container. Just thaw it overnight before reheating.
What can I use instead of vegetable broth?
If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use chicken broth. Water with added herbs can also work. You might even try mushroom broth for a rich flavor.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Absolutely! You can swap veggies based on what you have. Try adding bell peppers, or use sweet potatoes instead of carrots. You can also change the pasta shape or add beans for more protein.
This blog post provided a simple recipe for Minute Winter Minestrone Soup. We explored each ingredient, from olive oil to kale. I shared clear steps to create a warm and satisfying soup. You learned useful tips for flavor and cooking techniques, plus ways to adapt the recipe.
In the end, this soup is easy to customize and perfect for any season. Enjoy making it your own!
