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Easy Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup
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Classic minestrone is a rustic, seasonal soup that’s sure to please.

Ingredients

Units Scale

    • 1 cup dried kidney beans or white beans, such as cannellini beans or great northern beans (or 15 ounces canned beans, drained and rinsed)
    • 2 quarts broth – chicken broth, beef broth, or vegetable broth (for vegetarian minestrone soup)
    • 1 large onion, chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 3 carrots, diced
    • 3 celery stalks, diced
    • 1 cup diced raw potatoes
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (or one pint home canned tomatoes)
    • 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow macaroni)
    • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning blend
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
    • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Note: I prefer to use dried beans, because that’s what we usually have in the pantry. To save time, substitute 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed. If using dry beans, rinse and soak overnight, and then cover with water and simmer for 1 – 2 hours.
  2. For faster cooking, rinse the beans and load them into the Instant Pot with 3 cups of water and two bay leaves. Cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes, then drain excess liquid and remove bay leaves before adding the beans to the soup. I cook the beans while working on the rest of the recipe.
  3. To sauté the vegetables, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked beans, pasta, and spices. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked al dente, about 10-12 minutes. If the soup becomes too thick, add a bit more broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
  6. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Serve hot with crusty bread, if desired.

Notes

Feel free to substitute seasonal vegetables or add in cooked sausage or diced pancetta.

Find it online: https://commonsensehome.com/minestrone-soup/