There’s nothing quite like a hot bowl of homemade soup on a chilly winter day. For me, the aroma of simmering vegetables, herbs, and broth instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would spend hours stirring and tasting, determined to create the perfect Winter Minestrone Soup. The rich, hearty broth, the tender vegetables, and the satisfying blend of beans and pasta – it was a true labor of love, and the end result was always worth the wait.
Whenever the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, I find myself craving that familiar comfort. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Winter Minestrone Soup recipe with you. It’s the perfect blend of classic flavors, simple ingredients, and easy preparation – a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your winter repertoire.
Why This Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Winter Minestrone Soup
What sets this Winter Minestrone Soup apart is the depth of flavor and the perfect balance of textures. The key is in the careful selection and combination of ingredients, as well as the technique used to bring them all together. By sautéing the aromatics (onion, carrots, celery, and garlic) first, we build a robust foundation of flavor that infuses the entire soup. The addition of dried herbs, like oregano and basil, adds a beautiful fragrance and complexity, while the optional red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat that warms you from the inside out.
The blend of canned beans – kidney and cannellini – not only adds protein and heartiness, but also a creamy texture that complements the tender vegetables and chewy pasta. And speaking of the pasta, the uncooked elbow macaroni cooks right in the soup, absorbing all the delicious broth and becoming the perfect vehicle for the other ingredients.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this Winter Minestrone Soup so special:
- Olive oil: This versatile oil provides the perfect base for sautéing the aromatics, adding richness and depth of flavor.
- Onion, carrots, and celery: The classic “mirepoix” trio, these vegetables form the foundation of the soup, contributing sweetness, crunch, and aroma.
- Garlic: Minced garlic is an absolute must, infusing the soup with its pungent, savory flavor.
- Dried oregano and basil: These herbs lend an earthy, fragrant quality that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch of these fiery flakes adds a subtle heat that balances the richness of the soup.
- Canned diced tomatoes: These add a touch of acidity and brightness to the broth.
- Kidney and cannellini beans: The combination of these two bean varieties provides a creamy texture and a boost of protein.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that brings the soup together and nourishes the body.
- Bay leaf: This aromatic herb infuses the broth with a subtle, woodsy flavor.
- Elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to soak up all the delicious broth and pair with the hearty vegetables.
Step-by-Step Winter Minestrone Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Winter Minestrone Soup
With all the essential ingredients at the ready, let’s dive into the easy preparation of this comforting Winter Minestrone Soup. The total time from start to finish is just 60 minutes, with 15 minutes of hands-on prep and 45 minutes of cooking. All you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven, a sharp knife, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Begin by heating the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
2- Next, add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot, and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened slightly.
3- Mince the garlic and add it to the pot, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and begins to lightly brown.
4- Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using), and let the spices toast for about 30 seconds, releasing their aroma.
5- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, along with their juices, and use a wooden spoon to gently break them up as they simmer.
6- Add the drained and rinsed kidney and cannellini beans, the vegetable or chicken broth, and the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, until the flavors have melded and the vegetables are tender.
Pro Tips for Success
Now, let me share a few pro tips to ensure your Winter Minestrone Soup turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t skimp on the sautéing – take the time to properly caramelize the onions, carrots, and celery. This extra step builds an incredible foundation of flavor.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to suit your personal preferences.
- For a heartier soup, feel free to add in a couple of cups of chopped kale, spinach, or other greens towards the end of the cooking time.
- If you want to make this soup even more substantial, you can add cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey to the mix.
Serving and Storing Your Winter Minestrone Soup
Perfect Pairings for Winter Minestrone Soup
This Winter Minestrone Soup is a complete meal on its own, serving 6 hearty portions. However, there are some delightful pairings that can really elevate the experience:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping in the flavorful broth
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness
- A glass of bold red wine or a crisp white wine to complement the flavors
- For a heartier meal, serve the soup alongside grilled or roasted chicken or Italian sausage
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Winter Minestrone Soup is that it makes fantastic leftovers. The flavors only deepen over time, and it’s easy to prepare in advance.
To store the soup, simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
For longer-term storage, the soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to serve, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Winter Minestrone Soup
Creative Winter Minestrone Soup Variations
While this classic Winter Minestrone Soup recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it:
- Swap out the elbow macaroni for small shell pasta or ditalini for a different texture.
- Add in diced potatoes or cubed butternut squash for a seasonal twist.
- Experiment with different bean varieties, like chickpeas or white beans.
- Stir in some pesto or grated Parmesan cheese at the end for extra flavor.
- For a meatier version, add in crumbled Italian sausage or diced ham.
Making Winter Minestrone Soup Diet-Friendly
This Winter Minestrone Soup can easily be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta altogether. To make it vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the Parmesan cheese. For a lower-carb option, skip the pasta and serve the soup over spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer to use dried beans, soak them overnight, then drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup. You’ll need about 1 cup of each dried bean variety.
Q: How long does it take to make this Winter Minestrone Soup?
A: The total time for this recipe is 60 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this soup is perfect for making in advance. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and it also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Winter Minestrone Soup recipe yields 6 hearty servings.
Q: My soup seems too thick – what can I do?
A: If your soup becomes too thick, simply add a bit more broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Winter Minestrone Soup
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Winter Minestrone Soup is a comforting and nourishing meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Packed with a variety of tender vegetables, beans, and savory broth, it’s a satisfying and flavorful soup that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 bay leaf
– 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
– Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, broth, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the Winter Minestrone Soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
– For a heartier soup, you can add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef.
– To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth and omit the sausage or beef.
– This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Soups, Stews & Chili
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
This Winter Minestrone Soup is a true masterpiece of comfort and flavor. With its perfectly balanced broth, tender vegetables, and satisfying blend of beans and pasta, it’s a dish that will warm you from the inside out. The best part is, it’s so easy to prepare, with just 15 minutes of hands-on time and 45 minutes of simmering on the stovetop.
I hope this recipe becomes a new staple in your winter cooking repertoire, just as it has in mine. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or simply enjoying it on your own, this Winter Minestrone Soup is sure to delight. Don’t forget to let me know how you liked it in the comments below – I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
