Ms. Foster'S Minestrone
A hearty and comforting Italian-inspired minestrone soup filled with fresh vegetables, beans, herbs, and rice, perfect for nourishing gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dry white beans ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh green peas ⓘ
- 1 cup diced unpeeled zucchini ⓘ
- 1 cup diced carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup diced potatoes ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 2 ounces diced salt pork ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped leeks ⓘ
- 2 cups drained canned tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 2 quarts chicken stock ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 sprigs parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white raw rice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring 1 quart water to a boil in a 3-quart saucepan.
- Add the white beans and boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the beans soak for 1 hour.
- Return to low heat and simmer the beans, uncovered, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the salt pork, chopped onions, and chopped leeks; cook until onions are translucent.
- Stir in the diced carrots, potatoes, zucchini, sliced celery, and drained canned tomatoes.
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the bay leaf with parsley tied together.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add the drained beans, green peas, and white rice to the soup.
- Cook for an additional 20 minutes until rice is tender and flavors meld.
- Remove the bay leaf and parsley sprigs.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and basil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, use canned beans instead of dry, reducing cooking time significantly. You can also substitute the salt pork with diced bacon or even omit it for a vegetarian version. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can enhance the flavor, and adding a splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish. For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked pasta, akin to a Quick Tortellini Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and basil for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, serve alongside Junellen'S Vegetable Lasagne, making it a perfect Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or stock to loosen the soup, and warm it on the stove over low heat. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Freezing is possible; just remember to leave out the rice, which can become mushy when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ms. Foster'S Minestrone contains roughly 969 calories, with 40g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (328% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (181% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (180% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1550mg per serving (67% 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 other types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While white beans are traditional, you can substitute with kidney beans, cannellini beans, or even lentils. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as some beans may require less time to cook. Experimenting with different beans can add unique flavors and textures to your minestrone.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this minestrone vegetarian by omitting the salt pork and using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You can also enhance flavors with additional vegetables or herbs, making it just as hearty and delicious without the meat.
How can I make this soup creamier?
To achieve a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup after cooking. Simply transfer a cup or two to a blender, puree it, and then stir it back into the pot. Alternatively, you could add a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese when serving for a rich finish.
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).