This cozy Winter Minestrone Soup is packed with hearty veggies, beans, and pasta in a warm and flavorful broth. It’s like a big hug in a bowl on chilly days!
Every spoonful brings a smile, especially when you add a sprinkle of cheese on top. I love making a big pot, so there’s always some left for lunch—easy and comforting!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a wonderful flavor and healthy fats to the soup. If you’re out, you can use vegetable oil or avocado oil for a similar result.
Onion and Garlic: Both are essential for building a flavorful base. Yellow onion works best, but you can substitute with shallots. If you’re after milder flavors, consider using leeks instead.
Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Potato, and Butternut Squash): Feel free to mix up the veggies. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even zucchini can be great swaps. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
White Beans: Canned white beans are easy to use, but any beans you have on hand, like chickpeas or kidney beans, can work. They add creaminess and protein!
Kale or Collard Greens: Both greens are nutritious, but you can also use spinach or Swiss chard for a similar effect. If using spinach, add it toward the end to avoid overcooking.
How Do I Get the Vegetables Just Right in My Minestrone?
Cooking the vegetables properly is key to a tasty minestrone. Start by sautéing the onion in oil until translucent. This builds flavor. Then, add garlic and the firmer veggies first, like carrots and celery, to soften them up before adding the more tender vegetables, like potatoes and squash.
- Cook firmly then add broth and beans for a hearty texture.
- Finish cooking greens last to keep them vibrant and packed with nutrients!
How to Make Winter Minestrone Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium potato, diced
- 1 cup butternut squash, diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups kale or collard greens, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnishing (optional)
- Crusty bread for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Winter Minestrone Soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy winter meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step adds a wonderful flavor base for your soup!
2. Add More Veggies:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook these together for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Your kitchen will smell fantastic by now!
3. Mix in the Root Veggies:
Add the diced potato and butternut squash to the pot. Stir everything together to combine well and let those flavors mingle.
4. Bring It to a Boil:
Now it’s time to pour in the vegetable broth. Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. This will help cook the vegetables through.
5. Simmer Down:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the drained white beans, chopped kale (or collard greens), green beans, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, then cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. During this time, all those delicious flavors will come together!
6. Final Touches:
After the cooking time, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you like a bit more salt or pepper, now’s the time to add it!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s ready, serve your hot Winter Minestrone Soup in bowls. If you’d like, garnish with some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Pair it with some crusty bread for dipping and you’re all set for a warm and hearty meal!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! Minestrone is very versatile, so feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms are great additions. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you use harder or softer vegetables!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that your vegetable broth is 100% plant-based. You can also add extra protein by including more beans or lentils if desired.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months—just let it cool completely before freezing! To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stove.
Can I Add Pasta to the Minestrone?
Yes! Adding pasta is a delicious way to make the soup heartier. Just cook the pasta separately according to package instructions and stir it into the soup just before serving. If adding pasta, reduce the amount of broth slightly to prevent it from becoming too soupy.
