Winter Minestrone Soup

When the temperature drops, nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of Winter Minestrone. This hearty Italian classic is packed with seasonal treasures like butternut squash and tender kale, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that make it the ultimate comfort food for chilly winter nights. Brimming with nutrients and vibrant colors, it is a wholesome meal that brings warmth to any kitchen.

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The beauty of this minestrone lies in its layers of flavor. By sautéing aromatic vegetables first and then simmering them with earthy herbs like rosemary and thyme, you create a rich base that makes the soup taste like it has been cooking for hours. It is a wonderful way to use seasonal produce while keeping mealtime healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 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, and crusty bread

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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

For an extra boost of savory flavor, add a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers; just remember to remove it along with the bay leaf before serving. Ensure you don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften in the hot broth even after the heat is turned off.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is very flexible. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta or simply omit the pasta and add an extra can of beans. If you prefer a milder leaf, you can easily substitute the kale with fresh spinach, adding it in the final minutes of cooking.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this minestrone steaming hot in rustic bowls. A generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of parsley adds brightness. Pairing the soup with thick slices of warm, crusty bread is essential for soaking up the delicious, herb-infused broth.

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Whether you are looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share with loved ones, this Winter Minestrone Soup is sure to satisfy. Its vibrant ingredients and deep flavors make it a seasonal favorite that you will want to make again and again.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What vegetables work best in winter minestrone?

Butternut squash, kale, zucchini, carrots, and celery create the perfect winter vegetable combination. The squash holds its shape during simmering while adding natural sweetness. Kale adds hearty texture and nutrition that stands up well to the broth.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety, or omit pasta entirely and add another can of beans for extra protein and substance. The result remains just as satisfying and flavorful.

→ How long will this minestrone keep in the refrigerator?

Store cooled minestrone in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. The pasta will continue absorbing liquid, so you may need to add more vegetable broth when reheating. This soup actually develops deeper flavors after sitting overnight.

→ Can I freeze winter minestrone?

Yes, though it's best to freeze without the pasta. Cook the soup completely, cool, and freeze in portions for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat, then add freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

→ What's the secret to the most flavorful broth?

Adding a Parmesan cheese rind during simmering infuses the broth with incredible umami depth. Simply remove the rind before serving. Also, sautéing your aromatic vegetables until softened before adding liquid builds a richer flavor foundation.

→ Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Certainly. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. Add delicate fresh herbs like parsley and basil at the very end to preserve their bright flavor, while sturdier herbs like fresh rosemary and thyme can be added during simmering.