Best 6 Fast Minestrone Recipes

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Indulge in the rustic charm of Minestrone soup, an Italian culinary treasure. This hearty and versatile soup finds its roots in humble kitchens, where resourceful cooks transformed leftover vegetables and beans into a hearty and nutritious meal. With variations spanning regions and seasons, Minestrone embodies the essence of Italian culinary diversity. From the classic vegetable-packed Minestrone alla Milanese to the Ligurian Minestrone bursting with pesto flavors, each recipe offers a unique symphony of flavors. As you embark on this culinary journey, discover the secrets to crafting a perfect Minestrone, from selecting the freshest vegetables to mastering the art of slow-simmering. Let your kitchen be filled with the enticing aromas of garlic, onions, and herbs as you bring these recipes to life.

Recipes:

1. Minestrone alla Milanese: Experience the authentic flavors of Milanese Minestrone, a symphony of fresh vegetables, beans, and tender pasta. This classic recipe embodies the essence of Italian comfort food.

2. Minestrone di Verdure: Dive into the vibrant world of Minestrone di Verdure, a Tuscan Minestrone brimming with fresh vegetables, beans, and a touch of pesto. This vegetarian delight is a testament to the bounty of the Italian countryside.

3. Minestrone di Mare: Embark on a culinary voyage with Minestrone di Mare, a seafood lover's paradise. Fresh mussels, shrimp, and calamari dance harmoniously in a flavorful broth, complemented by an array of vegetables.

4. Minestrone di Pasta: Delight in the simplicity of Minestrone di Pasta, a comforting soup where pasta takes center stage. This recipe showcases the versatility of Minestrone, allowing you to explore different pasta shapes and flavors.

5. Minestrone Primavera: Embrace the freshness of spring with Minestrone Primavera, a vibrant soup bursting with seasonal vegetables, tender peas, and bright herbs. This Minestrone is a celebration of nature's bounty.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

EASY MINESTRONE



Easy Minestrone image

I wanted a soup recipe that I could make with staples that I always have on hand. This has become a family favorite so I always make enough to freeze. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Provided by Luhoney

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes     Minestrone

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped, or more to taste
2 onions, chopped
5 carrots, sliced
4 cups chicken broth
2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with garlic and oregano
½ cup red wine
1 (16 ounce) package frozen green beans
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup seashell pasta, or more to taste
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Cook and stir garlic in hot oil until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add onion; cook and stir until slightly softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in carrots until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into onion mixture; bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Add red wine, reduce heat to low, and stir green beans, pinto beans, spinach, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper into broth mixture. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook seashell pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and stir pasta into soup. Ladle soup into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.3 g, Cholesterol 2.2 mg, Fat 6.6 g, Fiber 7.4 g, Protein 7.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 388.1 mg, Sugar 8.9 g

QUICK MINESTRONE



Quick Minestrone image

Minestrone doesn't have to be a long-simmering project. Adding pancetta means that the soup develops full flavor quickly, and the vegetables stay tender and tasty. To jump-start the recipe, use a food processor to get the soup base going, and then start prepping the vegetables. Canned beans are great for this recipe, but don't use other canned or frozen vegetables here -- the key to a good minestrone is the fusion of the fresh vegetable flavors.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     soups and stews, main course

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 ounces pancetta, finely chopped
1 large onion or 2 shallots, peeled and cut into chunks
1 celery rib, trimmed and cut into chunks
1 large carrot, peeled and cut into chunks
8 ounces baby kale or shredded savoy cabbage (about 1/4 of a medium-size head)
2 celery ribs, cut into small dice
2 carrots, cut into small dice
1 medium zucchini, cut into large dice
1 (15-ounce) can cranberry, cannellini or other white beans, rinsed and drained
4 to 5 canned whole peeled tomatoes, seeded and cut into small dice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 quart vegetable or chicken stock, plus more to taste
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, marjoram or oregano
Slice of crusty bread for each serving (optional, see note)
Extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano

Steps:

  • Make the soup base: In a medium-size heavy soup pot, combine the oil and pancetta over medium-low heat to slowly render the fat and cook the pancetta, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the onion or shallots, celery and carrot. Pulse until finely chopped. Add to pot with cooked pancetta and adjust heat so the vegetables soften and cook without browning, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add the other vegetables: Stirring after each addition, add the kale or cabbage, celery, carrots, zucchini, beans and tomatoes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Add the stock and 1 cup water (or, if you prefer a soup that's not as thick, add additional stock to taste, up to 2 cups). Add the herb sprigs. Cover, raise the heat and bring to a full boil. Uncover, lower the heat to a bubbly simmer, and cook 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper. Remove the herb sprigs.
  • Serve in bowls, drizzling a little olive oil and sprinkling a big pinch of cheese over each serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 325, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 34 grams, Fat 16 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 13 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 743 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams

CONTEST-WINNING EASY MINESTRONE



Contest-Winning Easy Minestrone image

This minestrone soup recipe is special to me because it's one of the few dinners my entire family loves. And I can feel good about serving it because it's full of nutrition and low in fat. -Lauren Brennan, Hood River, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 1h5m

Yield 11 servings (2-3/4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 large carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cans (8 ounces each) no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups shredded cabbage
1 tablespoon dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni
11 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, saute the carrots, celery and onion in oil and butter until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer., Stir in the broth, tomato sauce, beans, chickpeas, tomatoes, cabbage, basil, parsley, oregano and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add macaroni; cook, uncovered, 6-8 minutes or until macaroni and vegetables are tender., Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with cheese. Freeze option: Before adding cheese, freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 443mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

QUICK AND EASY MINESTRONE



Quick and Easy Minestrone image

Traditionally, minestrone is slow-simmered with Parmigiano-Reggiano rinds to impart a rich umami flavor to the broth. In our shortcut version, soy sauce is used instead, adding instant depth to this pantry-friendly soup.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for serving
One 8-ounce can corn kernels, drained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 quart chicken broth
One 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
3/4 cup small pasta, such as small shells
One 14-ounce can white beans, drained, reserving half of the liquid
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 14-ounce can cut green beans, drained

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown slightly, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste, rosemary and oregano and cook, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste begins to darken in color, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the paste is smooth and incorporated into the liquid.
  • Add the whole can of diced tomatoes (including the liquid), and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the pasta, the white beans and reserved liquid and the soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the pasta is al dente, 7 to 8 minutes, stirring in the green beans during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Serve in individual bowls with a little oil drizzled on top.

QUICK MINESTRONE SOUP



Quick Minestrone Soup image

I cook this every winter. I've made it as an small entree when I have dinner parties or a main meal for the family. I often get comments about how yummy it is and how filling it is. I leave out the prosciutto as I only eat poultry and seafood. This recipe comes from a book called 'Quick Meals' - The good taste collection, Volume 3 by Anneka Manning

Provided by Chef floWer

Categories     Beans

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large brown onion, chopped
150 g prosciutto, thin slices, chopped
2 potatoes, desiree, peeled, cut into 1 . 5 cm pieces
2 carrots, peeled, chopped
2 zucchini, chopped
2 celery ribs, sliced (celery sticks)
1 (400 g) diced tomatoes, can
6 cups vegetable stock
55 g macaroni, dried
1 (425 g) borlotti beans, canned, rinsed, drained
1/3 cup flat leaf parsley, fresh, chopped
salt & fresh ground pepper, to taste
25 g parmesan cheese, finely shredded
crusty bread, to serve

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and prociutto, and cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until the onion softens and is light golden. Add the potatoes, carrots, zucchini and celery, and cook stirring for 1 minute.
  • Stir in the tomatoes and stock, increase heat to high and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in the pasta and simmer, uncovered, for a further 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
  • Stir in the beans, parsley, salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered, for 1-2 minutes or until the beans are heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into serving bowls, sprinkle with the parmesan and serve with the crusty bread.
  • VARIATION:.
  • Kidney beans and vegetable soup: Replace the prosciutto with 3 bacon rashers. Add 45 grams finely shredded cabbage to the mixture with the tomatoes and stock. Replace the borlotti beans with 1 x 425 grams can red kidney beans. Omit the parmesan and top each bowl of soup with 1 teaspoon prepared pesto.

QUICK MINESTRONE SOUP



Quick Minestrone Soup image

Categories     Bean     Garlic     Leafy Green     Onion     Pasta     Tomato     Vegetable     Fall     Winter     Gourmet

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/4 cup olive oil
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
4 garlic cloves, crushed in a garlic press
4 pound prewashed and cut kale (6 cups)
1 (1-lb) bag frozen mixed Italian vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, cauliflower, and broccoli
1(14 1/2-oz) can "petite" diced tomatoes in juice
1 cup ditalini pasta or small elbow macaroni
5 1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (42 fl oz)
2 cups water
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (19-oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
Accompaniment: grated parmesan

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 3 minutes. Add kale and sauté, stirring, 1 minute. Add frozen vegetables, tomatoes with juice, pasta, broth, water, salt, and pepper and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, transfer half of beans to a wide shallow bowl and coarsely mash with a fork or a potato masher, then stir mashed and whole beans into soup and simmer, stirring occasionally, until soup is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Tips:

  • Use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables add the best flavor and texture to minestrone. If you can, use vegetables that are in season.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many different ways to make minestrone. Feel free to add or remove ingredients to suit your taste.
  • Make a big batch: Minestrone is a great soup to make ahead of time. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Serve with crusty bread or a salad: Minestrone is a hearty soup that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Serve it with crusty bread or a salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

Minestrone is a delicious and versatile soup that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make, and it can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a hearty soup to serve at a party, minestrone is a great option.

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