How to Make a Hearty Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish that combines a variety of vegetables and beans into one flavorful broth. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty meal during the week. In this article, we will guide you through every step of how to prepare an authentic minestrone soup at home. With a cooking time of approximately 45 minutes and serving six people, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Before getting started on your minestrone soup, gather all the necessary ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 cup of green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (15 oz) of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Begin by sautéing the onions. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, approximately 5 minutes.

Once the onions are softened, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir the mixture gently as you let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors of the garlic to meld with those of the onions.

The next step is to incorporate the broth into your soup base. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Add the diced carrots and green beans to the pot. Stir again before bringing everything to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

While waiting for the soup to come to a boil, drain and rinse the cannellini beans. This step ensures that they are clean and ready to be added into your flavorful broth.

Once boiling has been achieved, reduce the heat slightly so that the soup continues simmering at a lower temperature. At this point, you can add the drained cannellini beans along with half a teaspoon of dried basil. Continue cooking for another 20 minutes until all vegetables are tender and cooked to perfection.

Season your minestrone soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to personal preference. Taste-test before seasoning more if necessary, ensuring that the balance between sweetness from carrots and acidity from garlic is perfectly complemented by savory herbs like basil and aromatic olive oil.

To garnish, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over each bowl of minestrone soup when serving. This simple addition adds color and freshness to your dish while enhancing its overall flavor profile even further.

Conclusion

Minestrone soup is a delightful Italian recipe that can be prepared with minimal effort yet offers maximum satisfaction in terms of taste and nutrition. By following these straightforward instructions, you'll find yourself creating a comforting bowl of warmth on any given day. Whether enjoyed for lunch or dinner, this soup will provide sustenance both body-wise and soul-wise, making it an essential part of your culinary repertoire. Serve alongside some crusty bread if desired; either way, this simple yet satisfying dish is bound to please everyone at your table.