Minestrone(Italian Soup)
A hearty Italian vegetable and bean soup with savory salt pork, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for vegetarians if salt pork is omitted. Rich, flavorful, and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups navy beans ⓘ
- 1/4 pound salt pork ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 2 stalks celery ⓘ
- 2 small carrots, scraped ⓘ
- 1 medium potato ⓘ
- 1/4 head cabbage ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 quart hot water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup precooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup frozen peas ⓘ
- 1/4 cup tomato paste ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat 6 cups of water to boiling in a large saucepan.
- Gradually add navy beans to the boiling water.
- Simmer for 2 minutes and then remove from heat.
- Set aside the beans to soak for about 1 hour.
- Add salt pork to the soaked beans.
- Return the mixture to heat and simmer for one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or basil during the simmering process. If you don't have navy beans, white beans are a great substitute. To make it vegetarian, replace the salt pork with smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor. For a quicker prep, use canned beans instead of dried ones, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Pork Chops, Etc. or a slice of Fettuccine Alle Pietro. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it appears too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Minestrone(Italian Soup) contains roughly 1094 calories, with 65g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (358% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (212% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2839mg per serving (123% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, minestrone soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to reheat it gently to maintain its texture.
What can I add to make it more filling?
To make the soup heartier, consider adding ingredients like diced chicken, lentils, or more vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers. You can also increase the amount of rice or pasta, which will add bulk and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this minestrone soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
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).