Quick & Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Hearty and soul-warming minestrone soup captures the essence of Italian comfort cuisine.

Robust vegetables dance alongside tender beans in this classic Mediterranean dish.

Nonna’s treasured recipe whispers stories of generations past, blending simplicity with rich, layered flavors.

Each spoonful carries the warmth of rustic kitchens and weekend gatherings.

Seasonal ingredients merge into a colorful, nutritious symphony that delights both young and mature palates.

Crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs promise a meal that nourishes body and spirit.

You’ll find this recipe irresistibly inviting and surprisingly easy to prepare.

Why James Martin Minestrone Soup Feels So Hearty

• Craft a Hearty Meal: Minestrone soup transforms simple ingredients into a nutritious, comforting dish packed with vegetables and protein, perfect for satisfying hunger.
• Master Quick Cooking: This recipe requires minimal prep work and cooking skills, allowing both novice and experienced cooks to create a delicious meal with ease.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible ingredients mean you can swap vegetables or beans based on what's in your kitchen, making it an adaptable and resourceful recipe.
• Nourish Your Family: Loaded with colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup offers a balanced meal that appeals to different taste preferences and provides essential nutrients.

James Martin Minestrone Soup Ingredient Guide

• Onion: A foundational aromatic vegetable that provides depth of flavor to the soup.
• Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the minestrone.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle herbal note and crisp texture to the base.

• Garlic: Brings intense, sharp flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• Tomato Puree: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps create a rich, smooth base.

• Stock: Creates the primary liquid base for the soup, providing depth and richness.
• Tomatoes: Adds bright, tangy flavor and helps create a robust soup profile.
• Pasta: Provides hearty texture and makes the soup more filling.
• Beans: Offers plant-based protein and creamy texture to the soup.

• Cabbage: Introduces extra nutrition and a tender green element to the soup.

• Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential for sautéing vegetables and adjusting the final seasoning of the soup.

Easy Steps To Make James Martin Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Let them dance and soften, releasing their delightful flavors for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Drop in minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 3 minutes, allowing the kitchen to fill with an irresistible aroma that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

Pour in vegetable or chicken stock and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and develop depth for approximately 15 minutes.

Step 4: Add Hearty Ingredients

Introduce your favorite pasta and canned kidney beans into the simmering soup. Cook for 10 minutes until the pasta becomes tender and starts to absorb the rich broth.

Step 5: Final Touch of Green

Fold in chopped cabbage or kale, letting it cook for an additional 2 minutes. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The soup is now ready to warm hearts and fill bellies.

Helpful Tips For James Martin Minestrone Soup

• Boost Veggie Flavor: Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking and consistent taste throughout the soup.
• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select crisp, vibrant vegetables to enhance the soup's overall depth and nutritional value.
• Control Pasta Texture: Add pasta near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente consistency.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap beans with cooked chicken, sausage, or tofu for different protein variations.
• Enhance Herb Depth: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the soup's flavor profile.

Simple Variations For James Martin Minestrone Soup

• Vegetarian Powerhouse: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and add extra protein-packed lentils or quinoa for a hearty plant-based version.
• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil to enhance the traditional flavor profile with aromatic Mediterranean herbs.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to make the soup safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and swap cabbage with kale for a southwestern-inspired minestrone with a spicy kick.

Tasty Pairings With James Martin Minestrone Soup

• Elevate Rustic Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti Classico to complement the soup's hearty vegetable profile and enhance its rich tomato base.
• Craft Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty focaccia or rustic sourdough bread with olive oil for dipping, which perfectly absorbs the soup's robust flavors and adds delightful texture.
• Balance Side Salad: Create a crisp arugula salad with shaved parmesan and lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's density and provide a fresh, bright counterpoint.
• Refresh Herbal Drink: Prepare a light, herbal tea like chamomile or mint to cleanse the palate and provide a soothing accompaniment to the warming minestrone.

Store James Martin Minestrone Soup The Right Way

• Store leftover minestrone in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, ensuring the soup is completely cooled before sealing.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until the soup reaches 165°F. Add a splash of water if it seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a saucepan, warm over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and add a little water or broth if the soup has thickened.

James Martin Minestrone Soup FAQ Guide

• What makes minestrone soup nutritious?

Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, minestrone provides a balanced mix of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health and provide a hearty, filling meal.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, simply use vegetable stock instead of meat-based stock and ensure all ingredients are plant-based. The soup’s rich flavor comes from vegetables and herbs, making it easy to adapt.

• Is minestrone soup gluten-free?

Not by default. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and confirm your stock is gluten-free. Many brands offer suitable alternatives that maintain the soup’s traditional taste.

Minestrone Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty minestrone soup beckons with Italian countryside charm, blending garden-fresh vegetables and robust beans into a comforting one-pot meal. Simmering with rich herbs and savory broth, this classic recipe invites you to savor each spoonful of rustic, soul-warming goodness.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 1 onion
• 2 carrots
• 3 celery sticks
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/4 green cabbage

Protein and Pasta:

• 1 tin (400 grams) cannellini beans
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) dried spaghetti

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 1 tin (400 grams) chopped tomatoes
• 1.2 liters (5 cups) stock
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring continuously to prevent burning, allowing flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour vegetable stock and crushed tomatoes into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and allowing ingredients to combine for 12-15 minutes.
4. Incorporate dried pasta and kidney beans, continuing to cook until pasta reaches an al dente texture, roughly 8-10 minutes.
5. Add chopped cabbage to the soup, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until slightly tender but still vibrant green.
6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like fresh basil or oregano to enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. Remove from heat, let the minestrone rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to further develop before serving hot with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Choose short pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells that fit easily on a spoon and complement the soup’s rustic style.
• Consider using vegetable stock for a vegetarian version or swap beans for different protein options like chickpeas or lentils.
• Enhance flavor by adding a parmesan cheese rind during simmering, which infuses a rich, savory depth to the broth.

• Prep Time: 0 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg