If I am stumped as to what to make on a cold weeknight, soups are always a great option! Not only are they quick, easy and hearty – but there are so many great recipes to choose from! I usually opt for soups that don’t call for anything cream or milk as a matter of preference. Rather, I love ones that are broth or tomato based, mixed with vegetables, pastas, beans and lean protein meats! It’s for this reason that I enjoy making minestrone soup! You can literally add in any vegetable you have on hand, and it will turn out nothing short of amazing!
One thing on my wish list is a Le Creuset Dutch Oven, specifically this one from Crate and Barrel. I think having a quality dutch oven in your kitchen is so important, especially for soups! There are great stoneware options in Home Goods as well for much less money! You can’t go wrong with any of them!
Here’s how I make this classic soup. It’s loosely inspired by a recipe by Cookie and Kate!
Ingredients:
- 5 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 1.5 cups celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 cups of zucchini, yellow squash, tiny potatoes
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 large can of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup pasta, I love elbows
- 1 can of red beans (or any bean you love)
- Salt + pepper
- Dash of lemon juice
Directions:
- In your pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add in your onion, carrots, celery and tomato paste. Once warmed, add vegetables, garlic and seasonings. Cook for around 10-12 minutes until softened.
- Add in diced tomatoes and liquids. Mix together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Raise heat and bring mixture to a boil. Once boiled, partially cover to allow steam to vent. Reduce heat and let simmer.
- In a separate pot, boil and cook your pasta. I like to do this step separately.
- Once pasta is cooked, add pasta, beans and baby spinach to the soup mixture.
- Remove soup from heat and let it sit. Add any desired spices, lemon juice and remove your bay leaf!
- Top with fresh parmesan cheese or soup oyster crackers for added flavor and texture.
- Enjoy!
