Ernie'S Minestrone
A hearty Italian-inspired minestrone packed with beans, vegetables, and pasta, perfect for comforting family meals and vegetable lovers seeking rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak navy beans in 10 cups of water overnight.
- Bring the beans and water to a boil.
- Add salt and peppercorns, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Sauté chopped celery, onion, and garlic in olive oil until lightly browned.
- Add sautéed vegetables to the beans along with canned tomatoes and chopped parsley.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add chopped cabbage, sliced zucchini, and macaroni; simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier minestrone, consider adding chopped carrots or green beans. If you don't have navy beans, kidney beans or cannellini can work well as substitutes. To enhance the flavor, try adding a bay leaf or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning while simmering. Using Judith'S Homemade Tomato Sauce can also elevate the dish's richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this minestrone hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it with a drizzle of olive oil on top or alongside Italian pretzels (Grandma Bonvino'S Recipe) for a delightful touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the soup. This minestrone can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it's in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ernie'S Minestrone contains roughly 826 calories, with 31g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (137% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (81% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2647mg per serving (115% 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 fresh beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh or canned beans if you're short on time. If using canned beans, just rinse and add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they heat through without becoming mushy.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan; just ensure you skip the Parmesan cheese when serving. You can enhance flavor with additional herbs or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Explore more vegan recipes for additional ideas.
What can I do if I don't have macaroni?
If you don't have macaroni, any small pasta shape like shells, ditalini, or even rice can be used instead. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta types may require different simmering times.
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).