Mark'S Minestrone
Mark's Minestrone is a hearty and flavorful vegetable soup, brimming with chickpeas, kidney beans, and fresh vegetables. The blend of herbs, along with a splash of dry red wine, adds depth to this comforting dish. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, it's nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked pasta shells ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 5 to 10 crushed garlic cloves ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped onion
- 2 c. cubed or sliced carrots
- 2 c. zucchini ⓘ
- 6 c. vegetable stock ⓘ
- 16 oz. green beans ⓘ
- 1 c. green pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 tsp. tarragon ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground rosemary ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. basil ⓘ
- 4 c. tomato puree ⓘ
- 1/2 c. dry red wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute garlic and onion in olive oil until translucent.
- Add salt, pepper, basil, oregano, tarragon, rosemary, carrots, and wine.
- Cover and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add green pepper, stock, puree, and beans.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes, cooked pasta, and zucchini, and simmer for another 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider using homemade vegetable stock instead of store-bought. If you're out of chickpeas or kidney beans, feel free to substitute with other beans like black beans or cannellini beans. Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried ones—just double the quantity. This minestrone can also be enhanced with a splash of lemon juice before serving for added brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty minestrone with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top. It pairs beautifully with Pizza Dough And Breadsticks for a complete meal. Consider a light side salad for added freshness, and enjoy with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. This minestrone can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it's cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mark'S Minestrone contains roughly 2019 calories, with 58g protein, 302g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (274% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (251% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2846mg per serving (124% 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 minestrone ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the minestrone a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving. If you plan to add pasta, consider cooking it separately and adding it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! This minestrone is versatile, allowing you to use seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Consider adding spinach, kale, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables' required doneness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, Mark's Minestrone is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just double-check that your vegetable stock and any additional ingredients are vegan-friendly. It's a great option for anyone looking for hearty vegan recipes.
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).