Classic Minestrone Soup is a hearty Italian soup renowned for its comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients. This timeless dish features a rich broth simmered with an array of vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, and beans, offering a colorful and nutritious medley. Often seasoned with aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, Classic Minestrone Soup boasts a robust flavor profile that is both satisfying and nourishing. Traditionally, it may include pasta or rice for added heartiness, making it a versatile and filling option for any meal. Whether enjoyed as a starter or as the main course, this beloved soup is a timeless classic that warms the soul with every spoonful.
Classic Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 6 medium stalks celery
- 1 large zucchini
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 small sweet potato
- 2 cloves garlic
- 15 ounces canned white beans such as cannellini or Great Northern
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp kosher salt plus more for seasoning
- 1 Parmesan rind (2×3-inch)
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 medium lemon
- 2 tbsp basil pesto plus more for serving
- 4 cups baby spinach or baby kale
- Parmesan cheese and crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables. Dice the following (no larger than 1/2-inch), keeping them separate: 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 cup), 6 medium stalks celery (about 2 cups), 1 large zucchini (about 2 cups), 3 peeled medium carrots (about 1 1/4 cups), and 1 peeled small sweet potato (about 2 cups). Finely chop 2 garlic cloves. Drain and rinse 1 can white beans.
- Sauté the mirepoix. Place 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and begins to sizzle, add the onion and 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and sauté until softened but not browned about 3 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and cook until brightened in color, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Sauté the vegetables. Add the sweet potato and sauté until slightly softened at the edges, about 3 minutes. Stir in the zucchini and garlic, and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add seasonings, tomatoes, and broth. Add 1 (2×3-inch) Parmesan rind, 1 can diced tomatoes and their juices, 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth, and the beans. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer for 30 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the carrots and sweet potato are tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Remove the Parmesan rind. Remove and discard the Parmesan rind.
- Stir in the pesto, lemon juice, and greens. Squeeze in the juice from 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon). Stir in 2 tablespoons basil pesto and 4 cups baby spinach or baby kale and simmer until combined and the greens wilt. Taste and season with salt as needed.
- Serve the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls. Thinly shave Parmesan cheese with a Y-peeler and scatter onto the soup, and drizzle with more pesto. Serve with crusty bread.
Notes
Make ahead: Vegetables can be chopped and stored separately up to 3 days in advance.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Soup thickens upon refrigeration, add more broth when reheating as needed.
Pasta variation: Stir in 1 cup dry short pasta, such as ditalini or macaroni during the final 6 to 8 minutes of cooking or add leftover cooked pasta to individual serving dishes.
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