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Authentic Italian Minestrone Recipe (Classic Vegetable Soup)
Minestrone is one of the most traditional Italian recipes, passed down from generation to generation. This hearty vegetable soup is a staple of Italian home cooking, made with a variety of seasonal vegetables and legumes. Its texture can range from light to thick, depending on family habits and regional traditions.
Ingredients
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 celery stalk
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 100 g diced pumpkin - 4 oz
- 100 g broccoli florets - 4 oz
- 200 g borlotti beans (cranberry beans) or cannellini (white kidney beans) - 7 oz
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a high-sided pot, sauté onion, carrots and celery (which you have previously diced) with two tablespoons of oil. Cook slowly for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add all the other vegetables, starting with those that have the longest cooking times. In our case, therefore, first of all the beans. Remember that if you are using dried beans, they should be soaked in plenty of water at least 12 hours beforehand.
- Then add the chopped pumpkin and the potatoes in chunks.
- Stir and add about 1.5 liters (about 6 cups) of water. Lightly salt, cover with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes from boiling over moderate heat.
- After this time, add the other vegetables as well. First the zucchini and broccoli cut into pieces. Then the chopped tomatoes or tomato passata.
- Stir and, if necessary, adjust the consistency by adding more hot water. Adjust salt and continue cooking for about 15 minutes, covered and over moderate heat, depending on the desired consistency.
- The authentic Italian minestrone soup is ready and should be served, hot or warm, with a drizzle of oil and a grinding of black pepper. Enjoy!
Notes
BEFORE YOU START:
- A) If you’re using dried beans, remember to soak them in plenty of water for at least 12 hours before cooking.
- B) Wash and peel all the vegetables thoroughly, then cut them into evenly sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Nutrition
Serving: 100gCalories: 166kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 37mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5365IUVitamin C: 49mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 1mg
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