Best 5 Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone Recipes

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Indulge in a hearty and wholesome vegetarian minestrone, a classic Italian soup brimming with fresh vegetables, beans, and captivating flavors. This comforting dish is a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring tender zucchini, vibrant carrots, crisp celery, and a medley of colorful beans, all harmonizing in a rich and flavorful broth. Its versatility allows for customization, inviting you to add your favorite vegetables, herbs, and seasonings to create a symphony of flavors. Discover a collection of delectable variations, including a classic minestrone, a hearty Tuscan minestrone, and a vibrant summer minestrone, each offering a unique twist on this beloved soup. Embrace the simplicity and goodness of a hearty vegetarian minestrone, a wholesome and satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

HEARTY MINESTRONE



Hearty Minestrone image

This version of the Italian classic soup Minestrone is packed with leeks, potatoes, beans, zucchini, spinach and orzo, making it perfect for a hearty lunch or supper on a cold winter's night. To make a vegetarian version use vegetable rather than chicken broth. Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for a zesty burst of flavor.

Provided by Kathleen Desmond Stang

Categories     Healthy Italian Soup Recipes

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium leeks, trimmed, washed (see Tip) and thinly sliced
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 large red potato, diced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
½ cup whole-wheat orzo
1 15-ounce can white beans, rinsed
2 medium zucchini, quartered and thinly sliced
1 pound fresh spinach, stems removed
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add broth, water, potato, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.
  • Add orzo and cook, partially covered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 5 minutes. Add beans and zucchini and continue to cook, partially covered, until the vegetables and pasta are tender, about 8 minutes more.
  • Stir in spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season the soup with vinegar. Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 298.7 calories, Carbohydrate 54.5 g, Cholesterol 2.2 mg, Fat 4.8 g, Fiber 13.8 g, Protein 18.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 1080.3 mg, Sugar 7.1 g

JUDY'S HEARTY VEGETABLE MINESTRONE SOUP



Judy's Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup image

Delicious vegetarian minestrone soup.

Provided by Judy Good

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

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 stalks celery, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups vegetable stock
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, or more to taste
1 teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil and garlic
2 potatoes, diced
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 cup bite-sized pieces kale

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir celery, carrots, onion, and garlic in the hot oil until the onion is translucent, 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Pour vegetable stock over the vegetable mixture; season with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir tomatoes, potatoes, and kidney beans into the stock mixture; bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 40 minutes. Add kale and continue cooking until the kale wilts, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 216.8 calories, Carbohydrate 35.7 g, Fat 5.5 g, Fiber 9 g, Protein 7.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 765.6 mg, Sugar 6 g

HEARTY MEATLESS MINESTRONE



Hearty Meatless Minestrone image

A friend gave me this quick, healthy recipe, and it's oh-so-tasty. It makes a big batch and is great for leftovers. To enhance the flavor, add a pound or two of sweet Italian sausage. -Mickey Turner, Grants Pass, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 servings (3 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 large onion, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 cup chopped cabbage
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium zucchini, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
3-1/2 cups water
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
3 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup small pasta shells
Fresh basil leaves and shaved Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, saute onion in oil for 2 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, cabbage, green pepper, zucchini and garlic; saute 3 minutes longer. Stir in the water, tomatoes, beans, tomato puree, tomato sauce and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes., Stir in pasta; cook 12-15 minutes longer or until tender. Garnish each serving with basil and cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 191 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 664mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

HEARTY VEGETARIAN MINESTRONE



Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone image

This vegetarian minestrone is a simple and hearty soup for those cold days. Serve with a Caesar salad and garlic toast and you have a simple, nutritious meal.

Provided by Shannon

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

Time 1h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 large carrots, diced
4 stalks celery, diced
½ (10 ounce) package frozen cut green beans
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth
¼ cup water, or as needed
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup elbow macaroni
⅓ cup vegan shredded Parmesan-style cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add carrots and celery; cook and stir until soft, 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Stir in green beans, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; cook for about 5 minutes. Add diced and crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a boil. If it looks too thick, add a bit of water.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in kidney beans, cannellini beans, and macaroni; cook until pasta is tender yet firm to the bite, 7 to 10 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, if needed.
  • Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan-style cheese and fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 293.4 calories, Carbohydrate 44.6 g, Fat 7.6 g, Fiber 12.2 g, Protein 11.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 893.2 mg, Sugar 7.9 g

HEARTY MINESTRONE



Hearty Minestrone image

This is a great vegetarian meal in itself. Add a panini or grilled cheese to the side for those two-handed eaters in your house. Small shaped pasta such as orzo or ditalini work best, but you can experiment with others. I find the flavors meld overnight and even tastes better as left-overs.

Provided by DuChick

Categories     Vegetable

Time 26m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

6 cups low sodium vegetable broth or 6 cups chicken broth
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 onions, chopped fine
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup orzo pasta or 1/2 cup ditalini, is suggested
1 (16 ounce) bag frozen vegetables, Italian Blend is suggested
1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaf
salt and pepper, as needed

Steps:

  • Bring broth, beans, and tomatoes to boil in large saucepan.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Stir in broth mixture and pasta and simmer until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in vegetables and basil and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of vegetables: The more vegetables you use, the more flavorful your minestrone will be. Some good options include carrots, celery, onions, garlic, potatoes, zucchini, green beans, and tomatoes.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different beans and lentils: There are many different types of beans and lentils that you can use in minestrone. Some popular choices include kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, and lentils.
  • Add some herbs and spices for extra flavor: Some good options include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
  • Use a good quality broth: The broth is the base of your minestrone, so it's important to use a good quality one. You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or beef broth, depending on your preference.
  • Let the minestrone simmer for a long time: The longer you simmer the minestrone, the more flavorful it will be. Simmer it for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have time.
  • Serve the minestrone with a side of crusty bread or a salad: This will help to round out the meal and make it more satisfying.

Conclusion:

Minestrone is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. With its variety of vegetables, beans, and lentils, minestrone is a nutritious and filling meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

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