Italian minestrone simmered with an array of vegetables, beans, and pasta for a cozy, wholesome meal.
# Components:
→ Fresh Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
08 - 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
→ Aromatics & Seasonings
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
12 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
13 - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Canned Goods & Liquids
15 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
16 - 6 cups vegetable broth
17 - 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
18 - 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
→ Pasta
19 - 1 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
→ Garnishes
20 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
21 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced zucchini and trimmed green beans. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and vegetable broth. Bring mixture to a boil.
05 - Add cannellini beans, red kidney beans, and small pasta shapes. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until pasta and vegetables are tender.
06 - Stir in baby spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
