Best 2 Meatless Minestrone Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey with our comprehensive guide to Minestrone, a hearty and versatile Italian soup brimming with flavors and textures. Discover the secrets of crafting the perfect Minestrone, a symphony of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, simmered in a rich broth. Delight in the meatless version, a symphony of vegetables, beans, and pasta harmoniously blended in a flavorful broth, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal. Explore variations such as the classic Minestrone alla Genovese, featuring pesto and green beans, or the Minestrone alla Milanese, showcasing the richness of saffron and bone marrow. Learn how to make Minestrone in a slow cooker for effortless preparation or discover tips for creating a vegan Minestrone that bursts with flavor. Whether you seek a traditional or contemporary take on this Italian classic, our collection of recipes caters to every palate and dietary preference.

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

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

Ingredients

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

MEATLESS MINESTRONE

Meatless Minestrone image

This recipe for traditional Italian soup may have quite a few ingredients, but it couldn't be easier to prepare. Plus it's packed with flavor and nutrition.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 1h20m

Yield 9 servings (2-1/4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
3/4 cup sliced celery
2 medium carrots, sliced
3 tablespoons butter
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups water
4 cups shredded cabbage
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried basil
2-1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup cooked rice

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, saute the onion, celery and carrots in butter until vegetables are tender. Add the tomatoes, broth, water, cabbage, potato and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour. Stir in beans and rice; heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 166 calories, Fat 6g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 87mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

Use a variety of vegetables. This will give your minestrone a more flavorful and colorful broth. Some good choices include carrots, celery, onions, garlic, zucchini, green beans, and tomatoes.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different beans and pastas. There are many different types of beans and pastas that can be used in minestrone, so feel free to experiment until you find a combination that you like. Some good choices include kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, penne, and macaroni.

Add some greens to your minestrone. Greens such as spinach, kale, and escarole can add a boost of nutrients and flavor to your soup. Add them towards the end of cooking so that they don't overcook.

Season your minestrone to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You can also add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Conclusion:

Minestrone is a delicious and versatile soup that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and beans, and it is also a good source of nutrients. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a minestrone recipe that everyone will love.