My Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe | hot for food

canned diced tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: canned tomato puree

Fresh tomatoes can enhance flavor while puree is often less expensive.

cannellini beans

🥗Healthier: chickpeas

💰Cheaper: navy beans

Chickpeas provide similar protein with fewer calories.

pasta

🥗Healthier: whole grain pasta

💰Cheaper: rice

Whole grain pasta increases fiber, while rice is often more affordable.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable stock

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade stock can be healthier and more flavorful.

Get all ingredients cut and ready (mise en place).

Heat a deep stock pot over medium heat.

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot.

Add finely diced red onion and let it sweat for a couple of minutes.

Add diced carrots and celery; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute, lowering heat if necessary to prevent burning.

Add chopped zucchini, smoked paprika, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper; stir occasionally for 3-4 minutes.

Add tomato paste and stir to coat all the vegetables.

Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and add 1 can of fire roasted tomatoes; bring to a boil.

Add 1 can of kidney beans and 1 can of navy beans; stir to combine.

Add 1 cup of elbow macaroni and 1 cup of chopped green beans; simmer until pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve hot.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens