On cold winter Sundays, there’s nothing more comforting than a good soup. Recently, we concocted this minestrone soup recipe and it was good. In fact, so good that we though it was so good that we should share it with you. Not familiar with this type of soup? It’s an Italian soup, typically made with bean, onions, celery, carrots, stock and tomatoes.
This soup is easy to make, can be made to accommodate most dietary restrictions and full of good things, so healthy! Also, this is a great option for people that are always on the go. Make a big batch and heat up a bowl for a hearty, healthy meal.
Minestrone Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 28 oz can diced tomates
- 8 cups broth
- 1 5.5 oz can tomato paste
- 1 can pinto or kidney beans
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- 1 large carrot chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 lemon juiced
- 3 slices bacon diced
- 1/3 pasta pasta
- 1 bunch fresh basil
- parmesan freshly grated
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, brown the diced bacon. Do not drain the grease!
- Add the carrots, celery and onion. Cook until the onions are translucent. Add spices, garlic and lemon juice part way through the cooking.
- Next add the broth, tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a slow boil. You will need to let the soup boil for about an hour. Stir frequently.
- Once the soup has been boiling for 30 minutes, add beans, fresh basil and pasta.
- Let the soup slow boil for another 30 minutes. Continue to stir frequently.
- Ladle soup in individual bowls, top with freshly grated parmesan.
Notes
- Bacon can be substituted by pancetta, back bacon or omit completely if you are trying to make a vegetarian or vegan version. Instead, use a tablespoon of oil.
- You can use any pasta that you wish, but we recommend something small that will easily fit on a spoon, like small shell pasta.
- This soup can be kept for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it even longer, you could freeze it for a few months.
The minestrone soup on its own is pretty great, but if you paired it with some freshly baked cheese puffs it would be over the top. Click here for our favorite recipe.
Vancouver Weekend