Best 3 Mamas Hearty Minestrone Recipes

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**Minestrone: A Hearty and Versatile Italian Soup**

Minestrone is a classic Italian soup that is known for its versatility and hearty flavor. Made with a base of vegetables, beans, and pasta, minestrone can be customized to include a variety of different ingredients, making it a great way to use up leftover vegetables or pantry staples. This hearty soup is a great way to warm up on a cold day. It is cooked with a combination of Italian vegetables, legumes, and pasta and is simmered in a flavorful broth. Minestrone is typically made with fresh or dried vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Common beans and legumes used include cannellini beans, kidney beans, and lentils. Various types of pasta can be added including small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni, or larger shapes like penne or rigatoni. The soup can also be made with different types of broth, such as chicken broth, vegetable broth, or beef broth. Some variations of minestrone may also include meat or sausage for added flavor and protein. This versatile soup can be served as a main course or as a side dish, and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HEARTY MINESTRONE SOUP



Hearty Minestrone Soup image

This fresh-tasting minestrone soup gets its zesty flavor from Italian sausage. When you want to use up your garden bounty of zucchini, try this recipe. If your family likes food extra spicy, use hot bulk Italian sausage instead. -Donna Smith, Fairport, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 55m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound bulk Italian sausage
2 cups sliced celery
1 cup chopped onion
6 cups chopped zucchini
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups chopped green pepper
1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, cook the sausage until no longer pink. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towel to drain, reserving 1 tablespoon of drippings. Saute celery and onion in drippings for 5 minutes. Add sausage and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 224 calories, Fat 16g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 38mg cholesterol, Sodium 901mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

MAMA KATHY'S MINESTRONE



Mama Kathy's Minestrone image

This is a tasty and filling soup for those cold winter nights. The mix of the vegetables tastes wonderful. Make homemade baked bread and you will have a winter's delight.

Provided by KHAJEK

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

Time 1h40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 (14 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups water
1 (15 ounce) can baby peas
1 cup finely chopped carrots
1 (14 ounce) can chopped spinach, drained
1 beef bouillon cube
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning

Steps:

  • Place the beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until beef is evenly brown and onion is tender. Drain grease.
  • Transfer beef, onion, and garlic to a large pot. Mix in tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, peas, carrots, spinach, bouillon cube, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and cook 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add more water or tomato sauce as needed.
  • Stir macaroni into the soup. Season with Italian seasoning. Continue cooking 10 minutes, or until macaroni is tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 402.1 calories, Carbohydrate 40.7 g, Cholesterol 69 mg, Fat 14.9 g, Fiber 8.6 g, Protein 28.8 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 1031.6 mg, Sugar 12.1 g

HEARTY MINESTRONE



Hearty Minestrone image

"This is my all-time favorite soup. I love make big batches and freeze some for later. This hearty dish reminds me of spaghetti and sauce in soup form!" -Katie Koziolek of Hartland, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h5m

Yield 2 batches (6 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 pound ground pork
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 cups tomato juice
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
3 medium carrots, chopped
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar, optional
1/8 teaspoon pepper
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each batch):
1/2 cup water
1 cup uncooked ziti or small tube pasta

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook the pork, celery and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. , Stir in the tomatoes, beans, tomato juice, tomato sauce, broth, carrots, zucchini, Italian seasoning, salt, sugar if desired and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until carrots are tender. , Transfer 6 cups of soup to a freezer container; cool. Freeze for up to 3 months. Add water and pasta to remaining soup; bring to a boil. Cover and cook until pasta is tender. , To use frozen soup: Thaw in the refrigerator; transfer to a large saucepan. Stir in water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Add pasta; cover and cook until tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 242 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 853mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 15g protein.

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, potatoes, zucchini, green beans, and tomatoes. You can also add in some leafy greens, such as spinach or kale.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: Minestrone is a very versatile soup, so feel free to add in any vegetables or beans that you like. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavor.
  • Cook the soup in a slow cooker: This is a great way to let the flavors develop and meld together. Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  • Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers: This will help to soak up the delicious broth.

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 a little planning and effort, you can easily make a delicious pot of minestrone that your whole family will enjoy.

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