Embark on a culinary journey to explore the hearty and comforting flavors of Minestrone, a classic Italian soup brimming with fresh vegetables, savory broth, and tender pasta. This versatile dish is not only a delightful meal but also a canvas for creativity, allowing you to customize it to your liking. With three delectable variations presented in this article, you'll have the chance to savor Minestrone in all its glory. The traditional Minestrone alla Genovese is a symphony of vibrant vegetables, including green beans, carrots, potatoes, and zucchini, simmered in a rich broth infused with pesto and fresh basil. For a taste of Tuscany, try Minestrone alla Fiorentina, where cannellini beans and kale take center stage, complemented by the rustic charm of Tuscan bread. Last but not least, Minestrone Primavera bursts with the freshness of spring, featuring an array of seasonal vegetables like asparagus, peas, and artichokes, all harmoniously united in a light, flavorful broth. Accompany your Minestrone experience with a side of crispy Garlic Croutons, adding a delightful crunch and garlicky aroma to every bite.
Let's cook with our recipes!
MINESTRONE WITH SAUTEED CROUTONS AND PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat, add the garlic and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, to flavor the oil. Remove the garlic, add the bread cubes and toss to coat. Saute until golden brown on all sides, season lightly with salt. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Heat oil in a 4 quart pot, add the onion, celery, garlic, carrot and pancetta and cook until soft. Add the cabbage, chard, potato, water, broth, tomatoes and bouquet garni. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Place half of the beans (1 1/2 cups) in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the puree and the whole beans to the simmering soup. Simmer the soup for about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with sauteed croutons and cheese.
MINESTRONE WITH SAUTEED CROUTONS AND PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO
Steps:
- For the Sauteed Croutons: Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat, add the garlic and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, to flavor the oil. Remove the garlic, add the bread cubes and toss to coat. Saute until golden brown on all sides, season lightly with salt. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels.
- For the Soup: Heat oil in a 4 quart pot, add the onion, celery, garlic, carrot and pancetta and cook until soft. Add the cabbage, chard, potato, water, broth, tomatoes and bouquet garni. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Place half of the beans (1 1/2 cups) in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the puree and the whole beans to the simmering soup. Simmer the soup for about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with sauteed croutons and cheese.
MINESTRONE WITH GARLIC AND PARMESAN CROUTONS
Steps:
- In a large saucepan heat 1 tablespoon oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté onion, carrot, and potato with salt to taste until vegetables are lightly browned. Add tomatoes and their liquid, broth, and pasta and simmer, stirring to break up tomatoes, 10 minutes, or until pasta and vegetables are tender.
- In a skillet sauté garlic in remaining tablespoon oil over moderately high heat until golden and discard with a slotted spoon. In garlic-flavored oil fry bread, seasoned with salt, over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden on all sides. Remove skillet from heat and add parsley and Parmesan, tossing croutons to coat well.
- Add zucchini and half the croutons to tomato mixture and simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes, or until zucchini is almost tender and croutons are dissolved. Stir in romaine and cook 1 minutes.
- Serve soup sprinkled with remaining croutons.
MINESTRONE
Enjoy this hearty Minestrone soup that comes loaded with tomatoes, beans and veggies and is made easily on a stovetop in just 45 minutes!
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 40m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In 3-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender.
- Stir in tomatoes, broth and beans. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer uncovered 5 minutes.
- Stir in pasta and squash. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Boil 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. Top individual servings with pesto; swirl in slightly. Garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 460, Carbohydrate 69 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 12 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 2 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1580 mg, Sugar 17 g, TransFat 0 g
CLASSIC MINESTRONE
This famous Italian soup has been much imitated around the world with very different results. The homemade version is a delicious revelation and is also extremely healthy, as it has pasta, beans and fresh vegetables. Try to make the minestrone a day early and refrigerate as this improves the flavors. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Provided by Anonymous
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Vegetable Soup Recipes Minestrone
Time 1h15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan, over medium heat. Add leek, carrots, zucchini, green beans and celery. Cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
- Stir in the stock, tomatoes and thyme. Bring to a boil, then replace the lid, and reduce heat to low; simmer gently for 30 minutes.
- Stir in the cannellini beans with liquid and pasta. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 320 calories, Carbohydrate 44.5 g, Fat 12 g, Fiber 10.1 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 470.9 mg, Sugar 7.8 g
Tips:
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables. This will give your minestrone the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the vegetables. They should be tender but still have a slight bite to them.
- Add the pasta or rice towards the end of the cooking time. This will prevent it from becoming overcooked and mushy.
- Season the soup to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices as desired.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and toasted croutons.
Conclusion:
Minestrone is a delicious, hearty, and versatile soup that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables and herbs, and it's also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. With so many different variations to choose from, there's sure to be a minestrone recipe that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give minestrone a try!
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