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One-Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe

Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. As the colder months draw near, there’s nothing quite like a warming bowl of hearty soup to nourish the body and soothe the soul. This one-pot minestrone soup recipe not only promises ease of preparation but also a delicious blend of flavours and textures that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe is highly versatile and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

To create a healthy and vibrant minestrone soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium courgette (zucchini), diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 200g green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (400g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 litre vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 150g pasta (small shapes like ditalini or macaroni)
• A handful of fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen.

2. Add the Remaining Vegetables: Incorporate the carrots, celery, courgette, and red bell pepper into the pot. Sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Introduce the Beans and Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), cannellini beans, and the vegetable broth. Stir in the green beans, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.

4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to meld and the flavours to develop.

5. Add the Pasta: Stir in the pasta of your choice and allow the soup to continue simmering for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.

6. Finish with Greens: Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach or kale, cooking for an additional minute until the greens have wilted.

7. Serve: Ladle the minestrone soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy the hearty warmth of this delightful dish.

Tips for Customisation

One of the best things about minestrone soup is its adaptability. Feel free to swap out any vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. You can also add different types of beans, such as kidney beans or chickpeas, and experiment with various herbs and spices to suit your taste.

For a heartier version, consider adding diced potatoes or chunks of seasonal squash. To make it more protein-rich, you can incorporate cooked chicken or turkey, or even some diced bacon for an added smoky flavour.

Storage

This minestrone soup stores beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, or you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This one-pot minestrone soup is not only a lovely addition to your recipe repertoire but also embodies the spirit of Italian cuisine — simple, family-oriented, and delightful. With every spoonful, you will relish the comfort and the satisfaction that comes from a hearty homemade meal. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to indulge in this classic dish that is sure to warm you from the inside out. Enjoy!

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