Minestrone with Garden Vegetables

A hearty and vibrant Italian vegetable soup, packed with the freshest seasonal produce for a comforting and wholesome meal. This minestrone is a celebration of garden flavors, perfect for any time of year.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 43 minutes
• Total time: 53 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: International

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup chopped zucchini
• 1 cup chopped yellow squash
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, cannellini beans, and pasta. Cook until vegetables are tender and pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips

• Use a variety of fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.
• Don't overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
• For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store leftover minestrone?

Store leftover minestrone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The vegetables may soften further upon reheating.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, you can add cooked Italian sausage, pancetta, or shredded chicken to the soup for added protein and flavor. Brown the meat with the vegetables in step 1.

What kind of pasta is best for minestrone?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo work well as they cook quickly and distribute evenly throughout the soup.