Best 6 Great Aunt Lillians Minestrone Soup Recipes

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Calling all soup enthusiasts! Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with Great Aunt Lillian's Minestrone Soup, a classic Italian dish that spells comfort in every spoonful. This hearty and flavorful soup is packed with an array of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, simmered in a rich tomato broth. With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, Minestrone is a feast for the eyes and the palate. But that's not all; this versatile soup has many variations, each adding a unique twist to the original recipe. Explore different versions like the Tuscan Minestrone, brimming with Tuscan kale and cannellini beans, or the Ligurian Minestrone, featuring flavorful pesto and fresh green beans. And for a taste of the sea, try the Fish Minestrone, where seafood treasures like mussels, clams, and shrimp take center stage. Whichever recipe you choose, Great Aunt Lillian's Minestrone Soup promises a satisfying and wholesome experience that will warm your heart and nourish your soul.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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

SIMPLE ITALIAN MINESTRONE SOUP



Simple Italian Minestrone Soup image

Simple and hearty Italian minestrone soup, brimming with vegetables, beans and a little pasta. The draw here is in the thick, flavorful tomato broth with piney rosemary, lots of fresh herbs, and Parmesan rind (a secret ingredient that Italian grandmothers have been using for years to flavor their soups)!

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Soup

Number Of Ingredients 20

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion (chopped)
2 carrots (chopped)
2 celery stalks (diced)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 zucchini or yellow squash (diced)
1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces, if needed)
Salt and pepper
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp rosemary
1 15- oz can crushed tomatoes
6 cups broth (vegetable or chicken broth)
1- inch Parmesan cheese rind (optional)
1 bay leaf
2 to 3 springs fresh thyme
1 15- oz can kidney beans
Large handful chopped parsley
Handful fresh basil leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese (to serve (optional))
2 cups already cooked small pasta such as ditalini or elbow pasta

Steps:

  • In a large Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add onions, carrots and celery. Raise heat to medium-high, if you need to, and cook, tossing regularly, until the veggies soften a bit (about 5 minutes or so). Add the garlic and cook another minute, tossing regularly.
  • Add the zucchini or yellow squash and green beans. Season with paprika, rosemary, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
  • Now add the crushed tomatoes, broth, fresh thyme, bay leaf and Parmesan rind (if using.) Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and partially cover the pot. Let simmer for about 20 minutes or so.
  • Uncover the pot and add the kidney beans. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Finally, Stir in the parsley and fresh basil. And, if serving immediately, stir in the cooked pasta and simmer ever so briefly till the pasta is warmed through; do not overcook. (See Cook's Tip #2)
  • Remove the cheese rind and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. Serve the minestrone hot in dinner bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan (optional.)

Nutrition Facts : Calories 211.9 kcal, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Carbohydrate 26.7 g, Fiber 7.4 g, Protein 6.8 g, Cholesterol 0.7 mg, ServingSize 1 serving

ITALIAN MINESTRONE SOUP



Italian Minestrone Soup image

Nothing says more "comfort food" than thick, creamy Minestrone Soup.Italian Minestrone soup is made with seasonal veggies, legumes and small pasta shape or rice.

Provided by Italian Recipe Book

Categories     Soup

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 onion (, roughly chopped)
2 carrots (, roughly chopped)
2-3 selery ribs (, roughly chopped)
½ cup diced pancetta ((optional))
1 ½ cup pumpkin or butternut squash (, cut in cubes)
1 large potato or 1 ½ cup potatoes (, cut in cubes)
1 large tomato chopped or 10 cherry tomatoes (, cut in quarters)
1 small savoy cabbage (, roughly chopped)
1 can ((14 oz) borlotti beans)
⅓ cup ditalini pasta or other small pasta shape
Extra virgin olive oil
1 bay leaf
2 rosemary sprigs
1 garlic clove ((optional))
Salt to taste

Steps:

  • In a large pot add a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, roughly chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic clove, and pancetta cubes. Sautee on medium heat for a few minutes stirring a couple of times in the process.
  • Add potatoes, butternut squash, tomatoes, bay leaf, rosemary sprigs and a couple of pinches of salt.
  • Give a nice stir and add enough water to cover all the veggies.Bring to a boil and simmer on low heat for 40 minutes. Add more liquid if needed.
  • Past this time veggies will become super soft and will "melt" one into another creating delicious creamy texture.
  • Once veggies are cooked add chopped savoy cabbage or other leafy greens and drained canned beans. Add more water if needed. Give a nice stir and cook for another 15 minutes.
  • As a last step, add pasta or rice. Let cook for 5-15 more minutes depending on how long pasta or rice will take to cook.
  • If you're not planning to serve minestrone right away, don't add pasta or rice immediately.Instead, bring the soup to a boil when you're ready to serve it and then add pasta or rice.
  • Minestrone is ready to serve when pasta (rice) is cooked. I takes about 5-6 minutes for ditalini pasta and about 15 minutes for rice.
  • Serve hot or warm generously topped with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.

CLASSIC MINESTRONE SOUP



Classic Minestrone Soup image

Minestrone is a hearty, traditional Italian soup typically made with beans, pasta and lots of vegetables. Enjoy the slow-cooked flavor in just about 30 minutes.

Provided by College Inn® Broths and Stocks

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     College Inn® Broths and Stocks

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced onion
¾ cup diced carrot
¾ cup sliced celery
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
1 (15 ounce) can Contadina® Tomato Sauce
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups College Inn® Chicken Broth
1 cup diced zucchini
½ cup dry ditalini pasta
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 teaspoon Shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook onion, carrot, celery, garlic and rosemary until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, beans and 2 1/2 cups water. Add broth, zucchini, pasta and pepper; bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, 10 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in parsley. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese and additional parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 235.3 calories, Carbohydrate 38.6 g, Cholesterol 0.3 mg, Fat 4.8 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 9.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 1220.5 mg, Sugar 5.9 g

GREAT-AUNT FANNIE OLD TRADITIONAL POTATO SOUP



Great-Aunt Fannie Old Traditional Potato Soup image

Make and share this Great-Aunt Fannie Old Traditional Potato Soup recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Tom232

Categories     German

Time 50m

Yield 2 Quarts, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 medium potatoes, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, sliced
1 medium carrot, grated
1 quart water
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk
1 cup evaporated milk
paprika (for garnish)

Steps:

  • Cook potatoes, onions, celery and carrots in the water until tender.
  • Meanwhile, in other pan melt butter and blend in flour.
  • Gradually add milk and cook, stirring constantly until thickened.
  • Add to soup.
  • Add evaporated milk.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Garnish bowls with paprika.

CLASSIC MINESTRONE SOUP



Classic minestrone soup image

Whip up this classic Italian vegetable soup with a rich tomato base and pasta. It's low in calories and packed with fibre and vitamin C

Provided by Esther Clark

Categories     Lunch, Starter

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to serve
1 onion, finely chopped
1 celery stick, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 courgette, finely chopped
70g diced smoked pancetta
1 large garlic clove, crushed
½ tsp dried oregano
1 x 400g can cannellini beans
1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato purée
1.2 litre vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
70g small pasta
100g greens - kale, chard or cavolo nero work well
handful of basil
finely grated parmesan, to serve

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan or casserole pot over a low-medium heat and gently fry the onion, celery, carrot, courgette and pancetta for 10 mins. Add the garlic and oregano, and cook for 1 min. Tip in the beans, chopped tomatoes, purée, stock and bay leaf. Season to taste. Bring to the simmer and cook for 30 mins.
  • Add the pasta and greens, and cook for a further 10 mins. Ladle into bowls and scatter with the basil and some parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 calories, Fat 10 grams fat, SaturatedFat 2 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 22 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 8 grams sugar, Fiber 7 grams fiber, Protein 9 grams protein, Sodium 0.98 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • To save time, use pre-cut vegetables or frozen vegetable mixes.
  • If you don't have any Parmesan cheese rinds, you can use a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese instead.
  • Add a bay leaf or two to the soup for extra flavor.
  • If you like a thicker soup, you can add a cup of cooked rice or pasta.
  • For a vegetarian version of the soup, omit the pancetta or bacon.

Conclusion:

Great Aunt Lillian's Minestrone Soup is a hearty, flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. So next time you're looking for a delicious and comforting soup, give Great Aunt Lillian's Minestrone Soup a try.

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