Homemade Minestrone Soup Recipe

Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish that is not only hearty and delicious, but also a great way to get in a variety of vegetables. Making your own homemade minestrone soup is both satisfying and comforting, especially on a chilly day. This recipe is simple to follow and can be customized based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a flavorful pot of homemade minestrone soup:

Ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, diced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 zucchini, chopped - 1 yellow squash, chopped - 1 can of diced tomatoes - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni) - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper, to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic, zucchini, and yellow squash to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

3. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a simmer.

4. Stir in the drained kidney beans, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add the pasta to the pot and simmer until the pasta is cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.

6. Adjust the seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

7. Serve the homemade minestrone soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or cabbage to your minestrone soup for extra nutrition and flavor. This versatile recipe can also be adapted to be vegan or gluten-free by choosing appropriate ingredients. Enjoy this warm and comforting homemade minestrone soup with some crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying meal.