Vegetable Minestrone
A hearty vegetable minestrone packed with fresh vegetables, pasta, and herbs, perfect for a comforting, nutritious meal suited to family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. chopped onion
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 small clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 can (16 oz.) tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground sage ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 can (8 1/2 oz.) lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can (8 1/2 oz.) whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. whole wheat noodles, medium size ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, cook the onion, the celery, and the garlic in the olive oil until tender but not brown.
- Stir in the water, undrained tomatoes, cubed potato, bay leaf, basil, salt, sage, and pepper.
- Bring to boiling; stir in noodles.
- Reduce heat.
- Simmer, covered, about 10 minutes or until noodles are al dente.
- Remove bay leaf.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier minestrone, consider adding diced carrots or zucchini. You can substitute the whole wheat noodles with gluten-free pasta if desired. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to include any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Basil-Cheese-Tomato Bread for a complete meal. A side salad or crusty bread makes excellent accompaniments, while a glass of red wine can enhance the dining experience. For a vegetarian twist, consider serving with a side of Stuffed Pasta With Parmesan.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover minestrone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Minestrone contains roughly 784 calories, with 13g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (132% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 649mg per serving (28% 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 minestrone ahead of time?
Yes, minestrone can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve as it sits. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently. If you plan to freeze it, consider undercooking the noodles slightly, as they will continue to cook when reheated.
What vegetables can I add to this minestrone?
You can customize your minestrone by adding vegetables like green beans, spinach, or kale. If you're looking for extra protein, chickpeas or diced tofu can also be good additions. Just ensure that any added vegetables are cooked until tender to maintain the soup's texture.
Is this minestrone vegan?
Yes, this minestrone is vegan as it contains no animal products. To keep it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. It's a great option for those following vegetarian or vegan diets while still being hearty and satisfying.
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).