Carotene Rich Minestrone Soup(Heart Healthy)
A hearty, heart-healthy minestrone packed with vibrant carrots, leafy greens, and beans, perfect for comforting, nutritious meals suitable for vegetarians and vegetable lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. red wine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup thickly sliced leek, white and tender
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup cubed new potatoes ⓘ
- 1 can water
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 cups shredded escarole or spinach ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced parsley ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can or 2 cups canned Italian plum tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 can Great Northern white beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chili mac noodles ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. sage ⓘ
Instructions
- In a soup pot, melt butter with oil.
- Add onion and leek and cook until tender.
- Add tomatoes and 2 cups water.
- Stir in carrots, potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer for 35 minutes.
- Add beans, water, chili mac noodles, escarole, parsley, and basil.
- Cook an additional 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar along with the red wine. If you can't find escarole, spinach is a great substitute. To make it even heartier, try adding some diced zucchini or bell peppers. Experiment with different beans, such as cannellini or black beans, to vary the texture and flavor while keeping it healthy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Italian Bread(Great As An Appetizer Or To Accompany Meal) for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, consider a simple green salad on the side. This dish is also great as a filling lunch or a light dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carotene Rich Minestrone Soup(Heart Healthy) contains roughly 707 calories, with 26g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (290% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (129% of the Daily Value), and iron (115% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 890mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables in this minestrone soup?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option! Just add them to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they retain their color and texture. This can save prep time while still providing the nutrients and flavors you expect in a hearty soup.
How can I make this minestrone soup vegetarian?
To make this recipe completely vegetarian, simply omit the red wine or use a non-alcoholic wine substitute. Ensure that the vegetable broth used is free of animal products. This soup is already plant-based with its variety of veggies and beans, making it a perfect choice for vegetarian recipes.
What can I do if my soup is too salty?
If your minestrone soup turns out too salty, try adding more water or vegetable broth to dilute the saltiness. You can also add a peeled potato to the pot while cooking; it will absorb some of the salt. After simmering for about 10 minutes, remove the potato before serving, and taste to adjust seasoning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).