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Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup

Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 10 1x
  • Category: Soup, Comfort Food
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This minestrone soup is thicker than most, loaded with vibrant vegetables, protein-rich beans, and aromatic herbs. It’s rich in texture and packed with flavor, offering a different bite with every spoonful. Perfect for a comforting meal on a cool day! #MinestroneSoup #HeartySoup #VegetableSoup #HomemadeSoup #ComfortFood #HealthySoup #VegetarianSoup

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup (130g) diced yellow onion (about half of a large onion)
  • 1 cup (120g) sliced or diced carrots
  • 1 cup (120g) sliced or diced celery
  • 1 cup (130g) sliced or diced zucchini
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 6-7 cups (about 1.5L) vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 cups (480ml) water
  • 2-3 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 (15.5-ounce/439g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15.5-ounce/439g) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15.5-ounce/439g) can green beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5-ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
  • 1 (6-ounce/170g) can tomato paste
  • 1 and 1/3 cups uncooked rice (about 290g) or orzo pasta (240g)
  • 3 cups (120g) fresh spinach, chopped
  • Optional: Grated parmesan cheese and fresh thyme for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and garlic. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 6–7 minutes until vegetables soften.
  2. Add Liquids & Beans: Add broth, water, red wine vinegar, and bay leaf. Stir in kidney beans, butter beans, green beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil.
  3. Simmer & Add Rice/Pasta: Once boiling, add uncooked rice or orzo. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes, or until tender.
  4. Add Spinach: Stir in chopped spinach and simmer for 5 more minutes. Discard bay leaf.
  5. Serve: Serve warm with grated parmesan and fresh thyme if desired. Great in bread bowls or regular bowls.

Notes

  • This soup thickens more as it cools or sits—add extra broth if reheating leftovers.
  • You can use any combination of beans you like; cannellini and garbanzo also work well.
  • Make it vegan by using vegetable broth and skipping the parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup)
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Find it online: https://cooktune.com/thick-hearty-minestrone-soup/