Minestrone

Minestrone Recipe: An Italian Soup Full of Flavor and Health

Minestrone is a traditional Italian soup, often considered a symbol of good taste and culinary diversity. This recipe is perfect for bringing a touch of warmth to cooler days or simply enjoying a nutritious and comforting lunch. With fresh and healthy ingredients, minestrone is not just a simple recipe, but also an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into your daily diet.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 23 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks of celery, cleaned and sliced
- 45 tomatoes, diced (choose well-ripened tomatoes)
- 1 white onion or shallot, finely chopped
- 34 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ small can of white beans in tomato sauce
- 250 ml quality tomato juice
- 67 fresh oregano leaves, chopped
- 34 bay leaves
- 2 small zucchinis, diced
- 100-150 g frozen green beans
- 45 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1.2 liters water or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing all the vegetables. Make sure the carrots, potatoes, and zucchinis are cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking. Also, finely chop the onion and garlic.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. The flavors will combine, providing a delicious start to the soup.

3. Add the vegetables: Immediately after the onion is ready, add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables will start to soften and release their flavors.

4. Incorporate the tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato juice, oregano, bay leaves, and green beans. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Add the liquid: Pour in the water or vegetable broth, ensuring all ingredients are covered. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. This is when the flavors will meld.

6. Finalize the soup: About 10 minutes before the soup is done, add the red beans, white beans, and zucchinis. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Add the pasta: If you wish to add pasta to the soup, now is the time to do so. Use small tubular pasta (like ditalini or penne) and cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and add to the soup.

8. Serve: Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaves and add the fresh basil. Serve the minestrone hot, with a slice of rustic bread on the side.

Helpful tips and tricks:

- Choosing vegetables: Minestrone is a versatile recipe, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables depending on the season. Spinach, cabbage, or mushrooms are excellent options.
- For a stronger flavor: Add a little grated Parmesan cheese to the soup before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
- Pasta variations: If you don’t have ditalini or penne, you can use any type of small pasta you have on hand, but ensure they are small and fit well with the other ingredients.
- Storage: Minestrone keeps very well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and the flavor gets even better the next day.

Nutritional information:

This soup is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. It is high in fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full. Calories vary depending on the ingredients used, but a serving has about 250-300 calories, making it an optimal choice for a healthy meal.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I add meat to the minestrone? Sure, you can add pieces of meat, such as chicken or sausage, to give it a richer texture.
2. How can I make the soup spicier? Add chili flakes or chili sauce to give it a kick.
3. Is this recipe vegan? Yes, minestrone is a completely vegan soup, perfect for any diet!

This minestrone recipe is not only delicious but also comforting, perfect for sharing with loved ones. So, take your time, enjoy every step of the preparation, and savor the result!