Winter Vegetable Minestrone Soup (Printable)

A hearty blend of winter vegetables, beans, and pasta creating a comforting and nutritious dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 carrots, peeled and diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 1 small parsnip, peeled and diced
07 - 1 small turnip, peeled and diced
08 - 1 small leek, cleaned and sliced
09 - 2 cups chopped savoy cabbage
10 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
11 - 1 zucchini, diced
12 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices

→ Beans & Pasta

13 - 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
14 - 3/4 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow macaroni)

→ Liquids & Seasoning

15 - 6 cups vegetable broth
16 - 1 bay leaf
17 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
18 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
19 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnish (optional)

20 - Fresh parsley, chopped
21 - Grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan option)

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Add carrots, celery, parsnip, turnip, leek, savoy cabbage, and potato. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Incorporate diced zucchini and cook for 2 more minutes.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, and oregano. Stir to mix evenly.
05 - Bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
06 - Stir in cannellini beans and small pasta. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until pasta reaches al dente texture.
07 - Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper according to preference.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This soup transforms humble winter vegetables into a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a secret shared with an old friend
  • The balance of beans, pasta, and fresh herbs makes it a favorite that comes together easily even on busy days
02 -
  • Don't rush cooking the root vegetables; their softening is key to the soup's texture
  • Adding pasta too early makes it mushy, so always add it toward the end for that perfect al dente bite
03 -
  • Lightly toasting the dried herbs before adding can deepen their flavor tremendously
  • Using a Parmesan rind during simmering infuses subtle umami that transforms the soup

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