Minestrone Soup(No Cholesterol; No Fat)
A hearty, cholesterol-free minestrone soup filled with vegetables, beans, and pasta, perfect for a comforting meal that suits vegetarians and health-conscious eaters alike.
Ingredients
- 2 c. tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, chopped ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks, sliced ⓘ
- 2 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 10 1/2 oz. beef bouillon ⓘ
- 4 c. water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 c. canned kidney beans ⓘ
- 1/2 c. canned garbanzo beans ⓘ
- 1 c. cooked pasta ⓘ
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a 4-quart pot, combine tomato soup, garlic, onion, zucchini, celery, carrots, beef bouillon, and water.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Partially cover and simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Add oregano, basil, cabbage, tomatoes, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans.
- Continue cooking about 10 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta; cook until heated through.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Minestrone Soup, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can substitute the beef bouillon with vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian version. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also elevate the dish. If you have leftover vegetables, feel free to throw them in to reduce waste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Minestrone Soup hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. It pairs beautifully with crusty whole-grain bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an added touch, you can offer grated parmesan cheese on the side, although it will change the cholesterol content. This soup is also perfect for meal prep; make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Minestrone Soup(No Cholesterol; No Fat) contains roughly 368 calories, with 11g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (111% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1171mg per serving (51% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can make Minestrone Soup in advance. The flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge. Just store it properly and reheat when ready to serve. If freezing, consider undercooking the pasta slightly, so it doesn't become mushy when reheated.
What can I use instead of pasta?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the pasta with quinoa or rice. You can also omit the pasta altogether for a lower-carb alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed if using a different grain.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to your Minestrone Soup, incorporate red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust the amount to your spice preference for a customized kick!
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).