Minestrone A La Valentino
A hearty Italian-inspired vegetable minestrone featuring fresh spinach, green beans, kidney beans, and pasta, perfect for a comforting, vegetable-rich meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped carrots ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 2 to 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 oz can tomato puree ⓘ
- 5 cans water ⓘ
- 2 bunches fresh spinach or 10 oz frozen spinach, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (9 oz) package green beans ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen peas ⓘ
- 1 can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 8 oz shell macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute garlic, celery, onion, and carrots in olive oil until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add thyme, oregano, bay leaves, tomato puree, and water to the pot.
- Bring to a boil and add chopped spinach, green beans, frozen peas, and kidney beans.
- Bring the mixture back to a boil, then add the shell macaroni.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the pasta shells are cooked, but do not overcook.
- Discard bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier minestrone, consider adding diced potatoes or zucchini. If fresh spinach isn't available, frozen spinach works well as a substitute. Adjust the herbs to your taste; fresh thyme and oregano can enhance the flavor. To amp up the protein, try adding cooked sausage or bacon. This dish is versatile, so feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve minestrone a la Valentino with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness. A slice of Italian bread, like a crusty ciabatta or garlic bread, pairs beautifully with this dish. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. This minestrone can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Minestrone A La Valentino contains roughly 1450 calories, with 28g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (228% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1847mg per serving (80% 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
How can I add more flavor to the broth?
To deepen the flavor of the broth, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of soy sauce during cooking. Additionally, a Parmesan rind simmered in the soup can infuse it with umami richness. If you enjoy a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can also enhance the overall taste.
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).