Delicious Winter Minestrone Soup Hearty Healthy Recipe

There’s something truly magical about winter—the chill in the air, the cozy evenings spent snuggled up at home, and the comforting scents wafting from the kitchen. I remember the first time I made Winter Minestrone Soup. It was one of those frosty evenings when the sky had that crisp, deep blue hue, and the snowflakes danced like tiny ballerinas. As I chopped vegetables, I could already envision the warmth this hearty soup would bring to my family.

This recipe has a special place in my heart because it embodies everything that winter should be: warm, nourishing, and full of flavor. Every spoonful is like a cozy hug—perfect for chasing away the winter blues. Trust me, once you’ve had a bowl of this minestrone, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again. Ready to make some magic in your kitchen?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect weeknight dinner—easy and quick to prepare!
• Budget-friendly, using ingredients you probably already have on hand.
• Loaded with nourishing veggies and beans for a protein punch.
• Comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out.
• Customizable—adapt it to your taste or seasonal produce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for your delicious winter minestrone:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds a new level of flavor!)
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer)
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh spinach or kale (about 2 cups, chopped)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Optional: a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into this cozy creation! Here’s how to whip up your winter minestrone soup:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add in the diced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they’re translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and your kitchen starts to smell divine.
3. Add in the diced potatoes and zucchini, cooking for about 3 minutes. You want them to just begin softening.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring it all to a simmer, then add in the cannellini beans, oregano, and basil. Stir and let it bubble away for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Once the vegetables are tender, season with salt and pepper to taste. Add in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and vibrant.
6. For a little extra zing, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving—trust me, it adds a lovely depth!
7. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for that classic finishing touch.

Pro Tips & Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to have fun with it! Here are some ideas:

• Spices: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or a bay leaf while the soup simmers for added flavor.
• Toppings: Top your minestrone with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for richness.
• Diet Swaps: For a heartier version, toss in some cooked pasta or quinoa right before serving. You can also swap out beans based on your preference—chickpeas or black beans work great too!
• Storage-Friendly: This soup is made for meal prep—make a big batch to enjoy all week long!

Serving Suggestions

Imagine this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re curled up on the couch with a big bowl of winter minestrone soup in your hands. Serve it up with some crusty bread for dunking—there’s nothing better! Or perhaps a simple side salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to balance the rich, hearty flavors of the soup.

If you’re feeling indulgent, why not pair your soup with a hot beverage? A cup of chamomile tea or something steamy like hot chocolate can really elevate your cozy evening.

Storage Tips

This soup keeps well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Here’s how to store it for your busy week:

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze minestrone soup for up to 3 months! Just make sure to leave out any pasta if you’re adding it; you can always reheat the soup and add fresh pasta later.
• Reheating: Reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to loosen it up, if necessary. You want to bring it just to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh veggies will add amazing flavor. Just chop them up and cook them until they’re tender. Using seasonal produce can make your soup even tastier!

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, it is! Just make sure to use vegetable broth and avoid any non-vegan toppings like cheese if you’re keeping it plant-based.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Of course! Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be browned at the beginning along with the onions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly!

What if I don’t have all the ingredients on hand?

No problem! Minestrone is super adaptable. You can swap out vegetables based on what you have available, or even use leftover veggies that need to be used up.

Conclusion

I hope you find joy in making this comforting winter minestrone soup, just as I do. When you serve it up, take a moment to savor the warmth it brings—not just to your body, but to your spirit. I’d love to hear how your soup turns out! Feel free to drop a comment below and share your experiences or any fun twists you added to the recipe. Happy cooking, my friend!

Delicious Winter Minestrone Soup Hearty Healthy Recipe

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Warm up with this healthy minestrone soup recipe perfect for winter Enjoy a hearty blend of veggies and flavors in every bowl 153 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 stalks of celery, diced

1 medium potato, peeled and diced

1 zucchini, diced

1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes

4 cups of vegetable broth

1 can (15 oz) of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

1 teaspoon of dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups of fresh spinach or kale, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Optional: a splash of balsamic vinegar

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Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add in the diced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they're translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Add in the diced potatoes and zucchini, cooking for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften.

Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring it to a simmer, then add in the cannellini beans, oregano, and basil. Stir and let it bubble for about 15-20 minutes.

Once the vegetables are tender, season with salt and pepper to taste. Add in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

For a little extra zing, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving.

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

A comforting and hearty winter minestrone soup filled with nourishing vegetables and beans, perfect for warming up on cold days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 250 calories
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 8 grams
• Carbohydrates: 36 grams
• Fiber: 7 grams
• Protein: 10 grams

Keywords: winter minestrone soup, minestrone soup recipe, healthy soup recipe