Minestrone Soup

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Intensity Level: Easy

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent.
2. Add Vegetables:
   • Add diced carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add Beans and Tomatoes:
   • Stir in kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and pasta.
4. Pour Broth:
   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Season with dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer.
5. Simmer:
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta and vegetables are tender.
6. Add Spinach:
   • Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve:
   • Ladle the hot Minestrone Soup into bowls.
   • Optionally, sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Enjoy:
   • Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information: Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

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• Saturated Fat: [Saturated fat per serving]
• Cholesterol: [Cholesterol per serving]
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• Dietary Fiber: [Fiber per serving]
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• Protein: [Protein per serving]

This Classic Minestrone Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish perfect for any season. Adjust the vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!