Winter Minestrone Soup (Printable)

Hearty vegetable-packed soup with butternut squash, kale, and pasta in aromatic Italian broth.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
07 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
08 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
09 - 4 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

→ Legumes and Grains

10 - 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 1 cup small pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni

→ Liquids and Seasonings

12 - 6 cups vegetable broth
13 - 1 bay leaf
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
16 - 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
17 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Optional Garnishes

18 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
19 - Chopped fresh parsley
20 - Crusty bread for serving

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add butternut squash cubes and diced zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until squash is just tender.
06 - Add drained cannellini beans, pasta, and chopped kale. Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until pasta is cooked and kale is wilted.
07 - Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from a variety of fresh vegetables and legumes.
  • Simple Preparation: An easy-to-follow process that results in a complex, slow-cooked flavor.
  • Dietary Friendly: Naturally vegetarian and dairy-free, making it suitable for many lifestyles.
  • Satisfying: The combination of pasta and cannellini beans ensures a filling meal.
02 -
  • Pasta Tip: If you expect to have leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl to prevent it from becoming too soft in the broth over time.
  • Seasoning: Always taste and adjust your salt and pepper at the very end, as the salt content in broths and canned beans can vary.
  • Pre-Cutting: Save time by peeling and cubing the butternut squash in advance.
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