Genoese Minestrone Soup
Genoese Minestrone Soup is a hearty, vegetable-rich Italian classic with a savory broth, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley ⓘ
- 3 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 1 small can tomatoes
- 2 carrots, diced ⓘ
- 10 oz frozen string beans ⓘ
- 6 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1.5 cups cooked kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 6 cups water ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepot.
- Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and parsley; cook until onion is transparent.
- Add peeled and chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped celery, diced carrots, diced potatoes, frozen string beans, water, and bouillon cubes.
- Simmer covered for about 1 hour.
- Bring the soup to a boil; add cooked macaroni and drained kidney beans.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced zucchini or bell peppers, which complement the flavors well. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap beef bouillon cubes for vegetable bouillon. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the flavor; just add them in the last few minutes of cooking. To save time, use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Genoese Minestrone Soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Classic Pizzelles for a delightful dessert. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. If it thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Genoese Minestrone Soup contains roughly 1916 calories, with 12g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 188g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of beans in this minestrone?
Yes, you can substitute kidney beans with cannellini or black beans. Just ensure they are cooked and drained before adding them to the soup. Each type of bean will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, enhancing your minestrone.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this soup in a slow cooker, sauté the garlic, onion, and parsley in olive oil first. Then add all the other ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I do if I don't have fresh tomatoes?
If fresh tomatoes aren't available, you can use canned tomatoes instead. A small can of diced tomatoes works well, just drain any excess liquid. This substitution will still provide a rich flavor, ensuring your minestrone remains delicious and satisfying.
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).