Italian Omnivore Minestrone Soup
Delight in the essence of Italy with our robust Omnivore Minestrone Soup. This heartwarming dish embodies the rich flavors of Southern European cuisine while ensuring a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a wholesome family meal, it emphasizes the fresh, robust flavors of Italy. This soup promises to be a comforting and nutritious addition to your dining table, capturing the essence of Italian cuisine.
Serves: 4, Difficulty: Intermediate
Preparation Time: 20 minutes, Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 50 ml olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 400 g tomatoes, chopped
- 400 g canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 liters vegetable broth
- 100 g small pasta (such as ditalini)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the zucchini and garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, cannellini beans, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, let the soup simmer for an extra 10 minutes before adding the pasta.
- Use a vegetable peeler to shave the Parmesan for an extra elegant presentation.
- For added flavor, you can include a Parmesan rind while the soup simmers, then remove before serving.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 65 kcal (272 kJ) | 260 kcal (1088 kJ) |
| Fat | 2.5 g | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.8 g | 3.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8.5 g | 34 g |
| Sugars | 3.5 g | 14 g |
| Protein | 2.5 g | 10 g |
| Salt | 0.5 g | 2 g |
