Description
This hearty Minestrone Soup is loaded with tender pasta, creamy cannellini beans, and a medley of fresh vegetables such as kale, carrots, and green beans simmered in a rich tomato and vegetable broth. It is a comforting and vegetarian-friendly dish perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into rounds
- 2 celery ribs, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and roughly chopped
- 2 cups kale, roughly chopped
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 28 ounce diced tomatoes, canned
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 15 ounces cannellini beans, canned, rinsed and drained
Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup small pasta such as elbow macaroni or ditalini
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- 1/2 cup shaved parmesan, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Add the olive oil to a large pot set over low heat. When hot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for 10 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add garlic and green beans: Stir in the minced garlic and green beans. Cook for an additional 4 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for about 20 minutes until the vegetables become tender.
- Add beans, kale, and pasta: Stir in the cannellini beans, chopped kale, and small pasta. Combine well and continue simmering for 12 minutes or until the pasta is fully cooked.
- Season the soup: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves and shaved parmesan cheese, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini to ensure even cooking and better texture in the soup.
- Kale can be substituted with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Adding shaved parmesan just before serving enhances the flavor and adds a creamy texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 247 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1126 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg
