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Fresh Spring Minestrone Soup with Basil Bliss

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A vibrant and comforting spring minestrone soup featuring fresh seasonal vegetables, creamy beans, and a bright finish of fresh basil. Perfect for a quick, wholesome meal that celebrates the flavors of spring.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 14 oz (400 g) canned diced tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup (90 g) small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat for about 5 minutes until shimmering.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes, without browning.
  3. Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but still have some bite.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Increase heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Once boiling, add the green beans and peas. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp.
  6. Stir in the rinsed cannellini beans and pasta. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add broth or water if the soup thickens too much.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting gradually.
  8. Remove from heat and fold in the fresh chopped basil. Let the soup sit for a minute before serving.
  9. Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired, alongside crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Notes

Add fresh basil off the heat at the end to keep its flavor bright and fresh. Watch pasta cooking time carefully to avoid mushiness. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or extra beans and veggies. Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for dairy-free. Leftovers taste better the next day. Freeze soup base without pasta for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: minestrone soup, spring soup, basil soup, vegetable soup, easy soup recipe, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/fresh-spring-minestrone-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-basil-bliss-guide/