Description
Hearty minestrone soup brings Italian comfort straight to kitchen tables with rich, vegetable-packed goodness. Warming spices and tender vegetables mingle in this soul-satisfying bowl you’ll savor down to the last delicious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) butternut squash, cubed
- 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Proteins and Grains:
- 1 cup (150 grams) cooked or canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup (150 grams) cooked or canned white beans (rinsed and drained)
- ½ cup (75 grams) pearl barley or orzo pasta (optional, for a thicker soup)
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Create a flavor base by sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced celery in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Introduce cubed potatoes and butternut squash to the pot, seasoning generously with smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, optional chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow vegetables to slightly caramelize and absorb the spices for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour vegetable or chicken broth into the pot, increasing heat to bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the vegetables tenderize for 18-20 minutes, ensuring potatoes and squash become fork-soft.
- Incorporate drained chickpeas, white beans, and your selected grain (barley or orzo) into the simmering liquid. Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, allowing grains to absorb flavors and the soup to develop a slightly thickened consistency.
- Fold chopped kale or spinach into the soup, cooking just until the greens wilt and turn vibrant green, approximately 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Carefully ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately alongside crusty artisan bread or crisp crackers for a complete, warming meal.
Notes
- Boost vegetable absorption by sautéing ingredients slowly, releasing deeper flavors and caramelizing natural sugars for enhanced taste profile.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili flakes or adding smoked paprika for a more complex warming sensation perfect for cold days.
- Create gluten-free version by replacing barley with quinoa or rice, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this hearty winter soup.
- Maximize nutrient retention by chopping vegetables uniformly and avoiding overcooking, which helps preserve vitamins and minerals in the ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg