Classic Minestrone Soup

This classic minestrone soup is designed to be dependable, flexible, and easy to serve. The ingredient list uses familiar supermarket items, while the notes explain where timing and technique matter most.

Why this recipe works

• Two kinds of beans create a varied texture and make the soup filling.
• Tomato paste and an optional Parmesan rind add depth to a meatless broth.
• Greens are added at the end to preserve colour and freshness.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (28 oz / 796 mL) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups (1.4 L) vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) cannellini beans, drained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 small Parmesan rind, optional
• 1 cup (100 g) small pasta
• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
• Salt, pepper, and lemon juice

Step-by-step instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Cook onion, carrots, and celery for 8 minutes. Add zucchini and cook for 3 minutes.
2. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, broth, beans, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan rind if using.
3. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add pasta and cook until just tender, adding a little water if needed.
4. Stir in greens and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the rind, season, and add a squeeze of lemon to brighten the soup.

Cook’s notes

• Minestrone is a flexible formula rather than one fixed ingredient list.
• Cook pasta separately when preparing several days of leftovers.
• Rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and starchy canning liquid.

Substitutions and variations

• Swap zucchini for green beans, cabbage, or diced squash.
• Use cooked farro or rice instead of pasta.
• Add pesto to individual bowls for a herb-rich finish.

What to serve with it

• Garlic bread
• A shaved fennel salad
• Parmesan or nutritional yeast

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. Freeze without pasta for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked pasta after reheating.

Frequently asked questions