Genoa Minestrone Soup(Serves 20 Cups)
A hearty Genoa Minestrone soup featuring fresh vegetables, pasta, and flavorful broth, perfect for family gatherings and comforting meals with rich Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 c. onions, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 3 to 4 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 5 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 3 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 c. red wine
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 c. cabbage, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dry basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 1 c. Green Giant frozen cut green beans ⓘ
- 4 oz. spaghetti, broken into 2 to 3-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/4 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- In an 8-quart saucepan, sauté onions, celery, parsley, and garlic in oil until tender.
- Stir in beef broth, water, wine, tomatoes, tomato sauce, cabbage, carrots, basil, and pepper.
- Add salt to taste if desired.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour.
- Stir in zucchini, green beans, spaghetti, and kidney beans.
- Simmer, covered, an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetables and spaghetti are tender.
- Serve hot and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, try using homemade broth instead of store-bought. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and use chickpeas instead of kidney beans. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor; consider adding thyme or oregano. Adjust the amount of garlic and salt according to your preference for a robust flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Genoa Minestrone Soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving a side salad or alongside dishes like Choice Lasagna or Darlene'S Italian Soup to create a comforting Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Genoa Minestrone Soup(Serves 20 Cups) contains roughly 440 calories, with 17g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (96% of the Daily Value), iron (65% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 937mg per serving (41% 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 make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Allow it to cool before refrigerating. The flavors will meld overnight, enhancing the taste. Just remember to reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little broth or water if it thickens too much.
What vegetables can I substitute in this soup?
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference. For instance, you can use spinach instead of cabbage or add bell peppers for a different flavor. Just maintain the overall proportions to ensure a balanced soup.
Can I use other types of beans?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute them with cannellini beans or black beans for a different texture and taste. Just ensure they are cooked or canned for convenience, so they blend well with the soup.
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).