Minestrone Soup Recipe
Cowbridge Kitchen
About This Recipe
Minestrone is a thick Italian soup, and the ultimate way of using up any leftover vegetables, Pasta and even meats.
Minestrone Soup it can be vegetarian or not and there is no set recipe for Minestrone soup so you can be a bit experimental with it.
Most cuisines have a Soup or Broth associated with them as a way of using leftover ingredients, the French have French Onion Soup, the Welsh have Cawl.
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Minestrone soup has a rich and varied history that reflects the agricultural traditions and regional flavours of Italy.
Originating in ancient times, this hearty dish was initially a peasant meal, crafted from whatever vegetables were in season and available, making it a versatile soup in Italian kitchens.
Over the centuries, as trade routes expanded and culinary influences mingled, minestrone evolved to include a wider array of ingredients, such as beans, pasta, and even meats, depending on the region.
Each area of Italy has its own unique take on minestrone, showcasing local produce and flavors; for instance, the Ligurian version often features pesto, while the Tuscan variant might include cannellini beans and kale.
The soup's adaptability not only highlights the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients but also reflects the cultural significance of communal meals in Italian society, where sharing a bowl of minestrone brings people together, celebrating both tradition and innovation in Italian cuisine.
10 mins Prep time
1 hr Cooking time
Time
This is based on 1 serving
245 ml portion of soup
Calories: 100
Protein: 4g
Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 2.9g
Sugar: 4g
Nutrition
Servings
Anybody can have a go at this recipe, even a complete novice
Difficulty
Can be vegetarian if you leave the bacon out of this recipe.
Cost to make:
£3.14 / $3.97(Est.)
Equipment:
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What is Minestrone Soup
Minestrone Soup could date back as far as the 2nd Century BC, when Rome conquerd Italy. Minestrone is still an Iconic Italian Soup most likely created to save on food waste as most soups were.
Minestrone soup is a hearty and nutritious Italian dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. Traditionally made with a rich vegetable broth, this soup is a delicious medley of seasonal vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it both filling and satisfying.
The beauty of minestrone lies in its versatility; it can be customized to include whatever fresh ingredients are available, allowing for endless variations that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Common ingredients often include tomatoes, carrots, celery, zucchini, and leafy greens, all simmered together to create a flavourful base.
The addition of beans not only enhances the soup's protein content but also contributes to its creamy texture, while small pasta shapes add a delightful chewiness.
Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main course, minestrone soup is not just a meal; it is a celebration of wholesome ingredients and culinary creativity, making it a beloved staple in kitchens around the world.
Cuisine:Italian
ingredients
3 Vegetable Stock Cubes
1/4 tsp of Black Pepper
1 tsp of Dry Basil
3 Rashers of Bacon (optional)
2 Carrots
1 Large Potatoes
2 sticks of celery
1 Red Pepper (Diced)
1 Brown Onion
1 tsp Lazy garlic
100 ml of tomato passata
1 tin Chopped Tomatoes
800 ml of veg Stock
Olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Chop up all of the veg and the bacon into rough medium size chunks.
- Put a splash of olive oil into a large saucepan , and fry off the bacon for about 5 mins.
- Add the onions and garlic and fry for a further 2 mins.
- Add the rest of the veg - Carrots , Potatoes , Celery and red peppers to the pan cover and continue cooking on a low / medium heat for a further 5 to 10 mins.
- Make up the Vegetable stock using the Stock cubes, Basil & Pepper. The add your Passata , Chopped tomatoes & Veg stock to the pot. Mix together , cover and cook for a further 30 on a low heat.
- At this stage you need to break up your spaghetti into small pieces.
- After 30 mins , check that your veg is slightly soft and add your Pasta to the pan. Cook for another 5 - 10 mins or until the pasta is soft.
As with most soup recipes, this Italian Minestrone soup was created as a way of using up leftover ingredients.
When you serve this soup, garnish it with fresh basil and some hard Italian Cheese.
