minestrone recipe

Minestrone is a hearty Italian vegetable soup with beans and pasta. Here's a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 onion, diced

- 2 carrots, diced

- 2 celery stalks, diced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 zucchini, diced

- 1 cup green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

- 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

- 1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1 teaspoon dried basil

- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)

- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.

2. Add zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, broth, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes.

3. Add the pasta and continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked, usually according to the package instructions.

4. Stir in the fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted.

5. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Minestrone is a versatile soup, so feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. Enjoy your bowl of comforting minestrone!