Garden Minestrone
A hearty vegetable minestrone packed with fresh flavors, beans, and pasta, perfect for a nutritious, comforting meal that suits vegetarians and vegetable lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 8 c. vegetable stock ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans
- 6 c. fresh or frozen vegetables (such as diced turnips and potatoes; sliced carrots, celery, zucchini and crookneck squash; green beans, peas and corn) ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry basil
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. rosemary ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/3 c. whole wheat macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 6-quart kettle, sauté garlic and onion until soft.
- Add vegetable stock, kidney beans and their liquid, mixed vegetables, basil, oregano, and rosemary; bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and macaroni, then continue simmering for 15 minutes or until macaroni is tender.
- Add shredded cabbage, cover, and cook for about 5 more minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider roasting the vegetables before adding them to the soup. You can substitute kidney beans with black beans or chickpeas if desired. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also enhance the flavor profile. To make it heartier, add cooked quinoa or barley instead of macaroni. Adjust the vegetable mix based on seasonal availability for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Garden Minestrone hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a light Cucumber Salad(Or Tomato Salad) on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or a hearty sandwich. This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water if it thickens. This minestrone also freezes well; portion it out in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Minestrone contains roughly 1578 calories, with 41g protein, 235g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value), iron (117% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 dried beans instead of canned for this recipe?
Yes, you can use dried beans! Just make sure to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the minestrone. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
What vegetables can I use if I don't have the ones listed?
Feel free to substitute with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Some great alternatives include bell peppers, spinach, or peas. The beauty of minestrone is its versatility, so get creative with seasonal vegetables!
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This Garden Minestrone is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. It's a nutritious and hearty option for anyone following a vegan diet, making it a great choice for family meals or gatherings.
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).