Winter Minestrone Soup

Winter Minestrone Soup is a hearty, comforting dish brimming with nourishing vegetables like kale and butternut squash. This Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for chilly days, offering a wholesome meal that is easy to prepare and yields six servings. It is naturally vegetarian and can be made dairy-free by omitting the optional cheese garnish.

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This soup combines the earthy sweetness of butternut squash with the robust texture of kale and cannellini beans. Infused with aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, it creates a rich and fragrant broth that fills the home with a welcoming scent as it simmers on the stove.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion (diced), 2 carrots (sliced), 2 celery stalks (sliced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 3 cups butternut squash (peeled and cubed), 1 medium zucchini (diced), 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes, 4 cups kale (stems removed and leaves chopped).
• Legumes & Grains: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) cannellini beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni).
• Liquids & Seasonings: 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, salt and pepper to taste.
• Optional Garnishes: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, crusty bread.

Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.

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Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add butternut squash and zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil.

Step 5

Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until the squash is just tender.

Step 6

Add beans, pasta, and kale. Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, until pasta is cooked and kale is wilted.

Step 7

Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8

Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To make the preparation as smooth as possible, use a large soup pot and ensure your chef's knife is sharp for dicing the squash. Having all your ingredients prepped on a cutting board beforehand will help you stay within the 20-minute preparation window. Use a wooden spoon for stirring and a ladle for clean serving.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta or simply omit it and add more cannellini beans for extra heartiness. If kale is not available, spinach makes an excellent substitute. For a strictly dairy-free meal, ensure you skip the optional Parmesan cheese garnish.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this minestrone steaming hot in rustic bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan for a salty kick. A side of warm, crusty bread is highly recommended to soak up every drop of the savory vegetable broth.

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This Winter Minestrone Soup is a versatile and nourishing staple that brings comfort to any table. Whether enjoyed immediately or saved for meal prep, it remains a delicious way to enjoy seasonal vegetables and authentic Italian flavors.

Grind fresh meat, make sausages, and shred vegetables quickly for homemade burgers, meatballs, and everyday recipes.

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Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this minestrone can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta may absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.

→ What can I substitute for butternut squash?

Sweet potato, pumpkin, or acorn squash work wonderfully as alternatives. Cut into similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.

→ Can I freeze this minestrone?

Yes, but it's best to freeze without the pasta. Cook and add pasta fresh when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

→ How do I make this heartier?

Add extra beans, include diced potatoes, or stir in cooked Italian sausage for a non-vegetarian version. You can also increase the pasta quantity slightly.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, orzo, or small shells are ideal. They cook quickly and are easy to eat with a spoon.

→ Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely. Use triple the amount of fresh herbs and add them toward the end of cooking for the best flavor. Fresh basil and parsley are particularly delicious.