Minestrone

Minestrone – a feast of flavors and health in a bowl

Minestrone is a traditional soup, full of vegetables, that brings not only taste to the table but also a rich story in every spoonful. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but its essence remains to transform simple ingredients into something truly special. This recipe is perfect for days when you feel the need for comfort and warmth, while also being an excellent choice for those who want to eat healthily, especially during fasting periods.

Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium onions
- ½ head of cabbage (or Milanese cabbage)
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 zucchinis, diced
- 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 large tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 100 g white beans, soaked overnight in water
- 1.2 liters of boiled chicken broth (or warm water with Knorr cubes)
- 100 g soup pasta
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Step by step for a perfect minestrone:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by cleaning and chopping all the vegetables. The onion should be finely chopped, while the rest of the vegetables should be diced. This step may seem trivial, but uniform cutting ensures even cooking.

2. Sauté the onion: In a large pot, add the 3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step is essential as it will add a deep base flavor to your soup.

3. Add the vegetables: Once the onion has softened, add the cabbage, carrots, zucchinis, and celery. Mix well and let the vegetables sauté together for 5-7 minutes. This will intensify the flavors and prepare the soup base.

4. Add the liquid: Pour in the boiled chicken broth or warm water with Knorr cubes, making sure all the vegetables are covered. Here, you can start to feel the delicious aroma developing.

5. Potatoes: Now is the time to add the diced potatoes. They will add a creamy texture and unique flavor to your soup. Let everything boil for 30 minutes over medium heat.

6. Beans: After 30 minutes, add the white beans that have been soaked and drained. Let the soup simmer, covered, for another hour. This step will ensure that the beans become soft and integrate perfectly into the vegetable mix.

7. Pasta: About 10 minutes before turning off the heat, add the pasta. Boil everything together, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

8. Season: Finally, add salt and pepper to taste, as well as the lemon juice. This will give the soup a fresh note and a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the vegetables.

9. Serving: Once all the ingredients are cooked, divide the minestrone into bowls and, if desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. The Parmesan adds a salty and creamy note that blends perfectly with the flavors of the vegetables.

Suggestions and variations:
- For a more intense aroma, add a few fresh basil leaves at serving. This will transform the soup into an unforgettable culinary experience.
- You can experiment with different types of beans: green beans or even red beans, depending on your preferences.
- If you like it spicy, add some finely chopped chili peppers.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This minestrone recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Each serving has about 250 calories, being rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fresh vegetables provide valuable nutrients, and beans offer plant-based proteins. It is an excellent choice for a light meal or for fasting days.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient option. Make sure to add them to the pot at the beginning of cooking, to allow them to thaw and heat evenly.

2. How can I store minestrone?
Minestrone keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it to consume later.

3. What other recipes can I try?
If you like this soup, you might want to try lentil soup or tomato soup with basil. These are just as quick and healthy!

Minestrone is more than just a soup; it is a culinary experience that will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your soul. Whether you enjoy it alone or share it with loved ones, this recipe will make you feel good. So, get your cooking sketches to work and enjoy a portion of goodness!