Old Fashioned Minestrone
A hearty, vegetable-rich minestrone packed with fresh flavors and tender beans, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. green beans, cut in 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 5 oz. bag spinach, shredded
- 16 to 20 oz. red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 28 oz. tomatoes ⓘ
- 4 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1/2 small head cabbage, shredded ⓘ
- 16 to 20 oz. white kidney beans, drained
- 1/4 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 2 large carrots, diced ⓘ
- 8 cups water ⓘ
- 2 medium zucchini, diced ⓘ
Instructions
- In an 8-quart Dutch oven over medium heat, in hot salad oil, cook onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add water, shredded cabbage, shredded spinach, chopped tomatoes with liquid, diced zucchini, beef bouillon cubes, and salt.
- Stir well and bring just to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cover; simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in drained white and red kidney beans; cook 15 minutes longer or until soup is slightly thickened.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on individual servings.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic or adding a bay leaf while cooking the vegetables. If green beans are not available, snap peas or asparagus can be great substitutes. To make it heartier, you can include small pasta like ditalini or even use leftover cooked pasta from Italian recipes. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if using low-sodium bouillon cubes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread makes a perfect accompaniment. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple salad or consider serving alongside 'Roll Your Own' Manicotti for a delightful Italian feast. This soup is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the minestrone to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium 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 Old Fashioned Minestrone contains roughly 531 calories, with 15g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (124% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1464mg per serving (64% 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 minestrone soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable bouillon cubes instead of beef bouillon. It will retain its rich flavor while being suitable for vegetarians. Additionally, you can add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the taste.
How can I make this soup more filling?
To make the minestrone more filling, consider adding small pasta shapes like ditalini or even leftover cooked pasta. You can also increase the amount of beans or include lentils for more protein and fiber. Adding a handful of quinoa or farro can also provide a hearty texture.
What can I do with leftover minestrone?
Leftover minestrone can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for future meals. To use it creatively, consider blending it into a smooth soup or using it as a sauce for pasta. You can also serve it over cooked grains for a nutritious bowl or incorporate it into a vegetable casserole.
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).