Mighty Minestrone
Mighty Minestrone is a hearty, vegetable-packed Italian soup with tender beans and greens, perfect for comforting, nutritious meals any time of year.
Ingredients
- 15 to 19 oz. can cannellini beans, undrained
- 1/2 lb. shredded green cabbage (from 5 small cabbages) ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 9 oz. package frozen Italian green beans, thawed
- 10 oz. package frozen butter or lima beans, thawed
- 10 oz. package frozen sliced carrots, thawed ⓘ
- 16 oz. can peeled tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mash the cannellini beans in their liquid with a fork until smooth; set aside.
- In a saucepot or Dutch oven, sauté the shredded cabbage and chopped onion in olive oil for 8 to 10 minutes until the cabbage is wilted.
- Add the mashed beans, remaining ingredients (including undrained tomatoes and thawed frozen vegetables), and 2 cups of water to the pot.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, recover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier minestrone, consider adding diced potatoes or zucchini. If you're short on time, canned vegetables can substitute for frozen ones. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasoning with additional spices according to your taste. To keep it vegetarian, ensure the vegetable broth is suitable.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting dessert, consider following with Italian Cream Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting to round out your Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mighty Minestrone contains roughly 1367 calories, with 7g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (276% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 805mg per serving (35% 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 different beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cannellini beans are traditional, you can substitute with kidney beans or chickpeas for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure they're cooked or canned for convenience.
Is this minestrone recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this minestrone for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove.
What can I add to make this soup more filling?
To make the soup more filling, consider adding pasta, such as ditalini or small shells, during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This not only adds substance but also complements the flavors beautifully.
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).