Minestrone Soup
This easy Minestrone Soup is your new go-to for a quick weeknight dinner. It's loaded with veggies and pasta in a savory tomato broth.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 400 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 liter vegetable broth
- 400 grams canned cannellini beans
- 400 grams canned kidney beans
- 100 grams small pasta shells (gluten-free recommended)
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Wash 1 medium onion, 2 medium carrots, and 2 stalks celery. Peel the onion and carrots. Firmly chop the 1 medium onion. Dice the 2 medium carrots and 2 stalks celery into small pieces. Peel and finely chop 2 cloves garlic.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped 1 medium onion, diced 2 medium carrots, and diced 2 stalks celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 0.5 teaspoon dried basil, and 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in 400 grams canned crushed tomatoes and 1 liter vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Rinse and drain 400 grams canned cannellini beans and 400 grams canned kidney beans. Add them to the pot along with 100 grams small pasta shells. Stir well.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Wash and chop 2 cups spinach. While the soup is simmering, wash and finely chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley.
- Stir in the 2 cups chopped spinach and 2 tablespoons fresh parsley. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted.
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.