White Bean Minestrone
A hearty and comforting white bean minestrone packed with vegetables, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a nutritious, flavorful meal suitable for vegetarians and vegetable lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. carrots, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. celery, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 c. dry navy beans, soaked and drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. cooked white beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 14 1/2 oz. can stewed tomatoes, no salt added ⓘ
- 2 c. white cabbage, shredded ⓘ
- 1 c. boiling potatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 2 c. zucchini, diced
- pepper
- 1/4 c. fresh parsley, minced or basil (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil.
- When hot, sauté the carrots, onion, and celery for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add 6 cups water, soaked dry beans (or canned beans), stewed tomatoes, and oregano; simmer for 1 hour.
- If using canned beans, add them now along with the cabbage and potatoes, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add the zucchini and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season to taste with pepper, then add parsley or basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your White Bean Minestrone, consider adding a bay leaf during simmering for an extra depth of taste. If you're short on time, canned navy beans can be used instead of dried, but make sure to rinse them well. For a heartier version, feel free to add some diced ham or turkey. For a vegetarian twist, substitute vegetable broth for water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your White Bean Minestrone with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier dinner, consider serving it alongside Italian recipes like Vegetable Lasagne or Healthy Lasagna to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover White Bean Minestrone can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Bean Minestrone contains roughly 729 calories, with 35g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (238% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (151% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 870mg per serving (38% 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 navy beans are traditional, you can substitute them with cannellini beans or even black beans if you prefer. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time accordingly if using dried beans, as some may require longer to become tender.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Yes, this White Bean Minestrone is naturally vegan as long as you skip adding Parmesan cheese. You can enhance the flavor by using vegetable broth instead of water and adding more herbs or spices to suit your taste.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add a kick to your White Bean Minestrone, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who like it extra spicy.
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).