Minestrone is such a hearty, comforting Italian dish known for a rich medley of vegetables, beans, and pasta or rice, all immersed in a favourable broth. The beauty of the minestrone lies in its flexibility; the dish can accommodate the seasonal components of vegetables. Thus, it is different each time. Tradition typically adds carrots, onions, celery, zucchini, tomatoes, and leafy greens, like spinach or kale, to these mixes. It often combines vegetables with kidney beans or cannellini beans so the soup is nice and creamy and packs protein in addition. The broth is normally vegetable or chicken, but sometimes it has aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme, which give minestrone that distinctive Italian flavour. In some recipes, pasta, such as little shells ditalini or even rice, is added to the broth, giving it a robust texture and making it more substantial. The pasta or rice will soak up the flavours of the broth itself while adding overall depth of flavour to what is otherwise a flavourless soup. Minestrone typically comes topped with a good amount of olive oil and usually gets some added advantages of Parmesan cheese, and crusty bread served on the side to be drenched in the luscious broth filling your bowl. The smooth texture of the soup comes from tender vegetables, creamy beans, and chewy pasta, giving the mouth instant pleasure with each mouthful. This healthy recipe is generally low in fat but rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals as a result of the diversity of the vegetables used. Whether taken as a light starter or as a nourishing main meal, Minestrone is an ultimate comfort food suitable for any season especially warming during the cooler months.

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Grated parmesan cheese
• 2 carrot
• 1 onion
• 2 clove garlic
• 2 celery sticks
• 1 cup tomato
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 cup spinach
• Basil leaves
• 1 l vegetable stock

• To start making your minestrone soup, gather all the ingredients together.
• Chop the onion, dice the carrots and celery, mince the garlic, and prepare the courgette and green beans. You might use fresh veggies or frozen ones if you like, whichever is at hand.
• In another large pot, warm the other 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium. Once hot, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery.
• Saut these vegetables about 5-7 minutes or until they begin to soften. This is a critical step as the soup needs to build that base flavour.
• Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• When the garlic is fragrant, add the cut small pieces of courgette and green beans to the pot. Mix everything. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes more until they begin to soften. This medley of vegetables creates a colourful, nutritious base for your minestrone soup recipe.
• Add the chopped tomatoes with all their juices and 1 litre of vegetable stock to the pot.
• Stir it all together to distribute the flavours. Bring to a gentle boil.
• Once it has started to boil, reduce the heat so it is simmering. Simmer for around 15 minutes. Simmering will deepen all the flavours in the soup.
• Add the drained, rinsed cannellini beans and 1 cup small pasta. Be sure to use pasta that cooks fairly quickly, as you want it to stay intact in the soup. Add one teaspoon of dried oregano and one teaspoon of dried basil.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Let it simmer for the other 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
• Of course, keep an eye on the soup and stir occasionally so it does not stick.
• The smell of herbs mixed with vegetables will permeate your kitchen; it'll be hard to wait for your delicious soup.
• Add 1 cup of fresh spinach or kale to the soup in the last minutes of cooking; these should wilt and infusion into your soup. These colourful greens add a appetizing colouring to the dish, hence adding nutritional input and making your minestrone soup recipe healthier.
• Once the pasta is cooked and the greens are wilted, taste the soup and season it if necessary.
• You might want to add more salt, some pepper or a little dash of red pepper flakes if you require some temperature.
• Ladle hot minestrone into bowls. For a little luxury, top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. This adds a creamy, salty element that complements the soup just right.
• Fresh basil leaves might also be added for an aromatic garnish.
• Tasty minestrone soup is now ready to be served! Your favourite minestrone soup, filled with wholesome flavours and your comfort. Here's a healthy and filling meal that can even be had as a light meal or enjoyed as a starter dish.
• Serving minestrone soup together with crusty bread just pairs perfectly. Enjoy the wholesome flavours as well as the comfort of every bowl.