Best Accidental Homemaker Minestroni Soup Recipes

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THE BEST MINESTRONE



The Best Minestrone image

While it's positively packed with vegetables, this soup is still hearty and filling. We rendered the fat from pancetta and used it to cook the vegetables to add more depth of flavor. The addition of white beans and pasta help make it a meal.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 tablespoons olive oil
4 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/8-inch pieces
3 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 large celery stalks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely grated
2 bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces small Yukon potatoes, quartered
1 large zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
One 14-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed
4 cups packed curly kale leaves, torn
One 15-ounce can cannellini beans plus liquid
1/2 cup dry ditalini or other small pasta shape
Grated Parmesan, for serving

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the meat is golden brown on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the pancetta with a slotted spoon to a large bowl, leaving the fat in the pot.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the carrots, celery, onions, garlic, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, 4 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but not browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the potatoes and zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Return the pancetta to the pot, stir in the tomatoes and 8 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are just tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Add the kale, beans and their liquid and pasta and continue to cook until the pasta is cooked through and the kale is tender, about 10 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and season with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve with grated Parmesan.

ACCIDENTAL HOMEMAKER MINESTRONI SOUP



Accidental Homemaker Minestroni Soup image

Make and share this Accidental Homemaker Minestroni Soup recipe from Food.com.

Provided by AccidentalHomemaker

Categories     European

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup pepperoni, sliced
2 shallots, diced
1 large carrot, sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
1 large zucchini, sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 tablespoon basil
1/2 tablespoon oregano
2 (8 ounce) cans tomatoes
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 cups water
1/2 cup red wine
1 (8 ounce) can spinach (drained)
1 (8 ounce) can red beans (drained)

Steps:

  • Heat oil, Add next 7 ingredients, simmer 10 minutes over medium heat.
  • Add remaining ingredients.
  • Simmer on medium low, 1/2-1hr.

CLASSIC MINESTRONE SOUP



Classic Minestrone Soup image

Warm up with this vegetarian minestrone soup! This classic minestrone soup recipe is healthy, easy to make, and tastes incredible. It's vegan, too, if you don't top it with cheese. Recipe yields 6 bowls or 8 cups of soup.

Provided by Cookie and Kate

Categories     Soup

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 21

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 medium ribs celery, chopped
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 cups chopped seasonal vegetables (potatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, butternut squash, green beans or peas all work)
4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, with their liquid (or 2 small 15-ounce cans)
4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 bay leaves
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup whole grain orecchiette, elbow or small shell pasta
1 can (15 ounces) Great Northern beans or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, or 1 1/2 cups cooked beans
2 cups baby spinach, chopped kale or chopped collard greens
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnishing (optional)

Steps:

  • Warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, tomato paste and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are turning translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Add the seasonal vegetables, garlic, oregano and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring frequently, about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes and their juices, broth and water. Add the salt, bay leaves and red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper.
  • Raise heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot with the lid, leaving about a 1" gap for steam to escape. Reduce heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer.
  • Cook for 15 minutes, then remove the lid and add the pasta, beans and greens. Continue simmering, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until the the pasta is cooked al dente and the greens are tender.
  • Remove the pot from the heat, then remove the bay leaves. Stir in the lemon juice and remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Taste and season with more salt (I usually add about 1/4 teaspoon more) and pepper until the flavors really sing. Garnish bowls of soup with grated Parmesan, if you'd like.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 bowl (made with potatoes and no Parmesan), Calories 298 calories, Sugar 9.7 g, Sodium 924.2 mg, Fat 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 45.6 g, Fiber 10.4 g, Protein 9.8 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

BEST DARN MINESTRONE SOUP AROUND



Best Darn Minestrone Soup Around image

This is a recipe for a Minestrone Soup that is very similar to Lelli's Minestrone soup here in Detroit. Make sure you use a large stock pot, because this recipe is big. SIMPLY AMAZING!

Provided by Chef Ron

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes     Minestrone

Time 2h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 18

8 tablespoons butter
1 ½ cups chopped onions
4 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
4 (15 ounce) cans mixed vegetables, with liquid
2 (16 ounce) cans kidney beans, with liquid
2 (14.5 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, with liquid
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 ¼ teaspoons garlic powder
4 teaspoons dried parsley
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained
4 cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Steps:

  • In a large stock pot over medium heat, stir and cook onions in butter until soft. Add broth, mixed vegetables, kidney beans, tomatoes, spinach, and tomato paste; simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Using a slotted spoon, remove about half of the vegetables to a blender or food processor, reserving liquid in stock pot. Puree the vegetables until smooth and return them to stock pot.
  • Stir in garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, basil, macaroni, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, garbanzo beans, and heavy cream; cook for 1/2 hour, stirring frequently. Pour into bowls and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 587.2 calories, Carbohydrate 43.4 g, Cholesterol 138.2 mg, Fat 40.6 g, Fiber 13.5 g, Protein 15.5 g, SaturatedFat 24.4 g, Sodium 1591.5 mg, Sugar 4.4 g

CLASSIC MINESTRONE SOUP



Classic Minestrone Soup image

Minestrone is a hearty, traditional Italian soup typically made with beans, pasta and lots of vegetables. Enjoy the slow-cooked flavor in just about 30 minutes.

Provided by College Inn® Broths and Stocks

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     College Inn® Broths and Stocks

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced onion
¾ cup diced carrot
¾ cup sliced celery
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
1 (15 ounce) can Contadina® Tomato Sauce
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups College Inn® Chicken Broth
1 cup diced zucchini
½ cup dry ditalini pasta
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 teaspoon Shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook onion, carrot, celery, garlic and rosemary until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, beans and 2 1/2 cups water. Add broth, zucchini, pasta and pepper; bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, 10 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in parsley. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese and additional parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 235.3 calories, Carbohydrate 38.6 g, Cholesterol 0.3 mg, Fat 4.8 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 9.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 1220.5 mg, Sugar 5.9 g

CHEF JOHN'S MINESTRONE SOUP



Chef John's Minestrone Soup image

This is the type of dish I never make the same way twice, but I hope you give this amazing minestrone recipe a try soon, but only once.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes     Minestrone

Time 1h45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 ounces chopped pancetta
1 onion, diced
1 cup diced celery
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water, plus more as needed
1 (28 ounce) can plum tomatoes, crushed fine
1 cup cranberry beans, shelled
2 cups chopped cabbage, or more to taste
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons salt
1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
⅔ cup ditalini pasta
salt and ground black pepper
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
¼ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add pancetta; cook and stir until it begins to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in onions and celery; cook and stir until onions start to turn translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Pour chicken broth, water, and plum tomatoes into the pancetta and onion mixture. Bring to a simmer.
  • Stir cranberry beans, cabbage, garbanzo beans, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and 2 teaspoons salt into broth mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook until cranberry beans are tender, adding more water as needed if the soup becomes too thick, about 45 minutes.
  • Stir in Swiss chard and simmer until softened, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Stir in pasta and increase heat to medium-high and simmer until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes. Ladle into bowls and top with extra virgin olive oil, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and Italian parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 483.6 calories, Carbohydrate 53.9 g, Cholesterol 15.8 mg, Fat 23 g, Fiber 14.4 g, Protein 17.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 2019.6 mg, Sugar 7.5 g

CONTEST-WINNING EASY MINESTRONE



Contest-Winning Easy Minestrone image

This minestrone soup recipe is special to me because it's one of the few dinners my entire family loves. And I can feel good about serving it because it's full of nutrition and low in fat. -Lauren Brennan, Hood River, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 1h5m

Yield 11 servings (2-3/4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 large carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cans (8 ounces each) no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups shredded cabbage
1 tablespoon dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni
11 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, saute the carrots, celery and onion in oil and butter until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer., Stir in the broth, tomato sauce, beans, chickpeas, tomatoes, cabbage, basil, parsley, oregano and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add macaroni; cook, uncovered, 6-8 minutes or until macaroni and vegetables are tender., Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with cheese. Freeze option: Before adding cheese, freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 443mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CLASSIC MINESTRONE SOUP



Classic minestrone soup image

Whip up this classic Italian vegetable soup with a rich tomato base and pasta. It's low in calories and packed with fibre and vitamin C

Provided by Esther Clark

Categories     Lunch, Starter

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to serve
1 onion, finely chopped
1 celery stick, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 courgette, finely chopped
70g diced smoked pancetta
1 large garlic clove, crushed
½ tsp dried oregano
1 x 400g can cannellini beans
1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato purée
1.2 litre vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
70g small pasta
100g greens - kale, chard or cavolo nero work well
handful of basil
finely grated parmesan, to serve

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan or casserole pot over a low-medium heat and gently fry the onion, celery, carrot, courgette and pancetta for 10 mins. Add the garlic and oregano, and cook for 1 min. Tip in the beans, chopped tomatoes, purée, stock and bay leaf. Season to taste. Bring to the simmer and cook for 30 mins.
  • Add the pasta and greens, and cook for a further 10 mins. Ladle into bowls and scatter with the basil and some parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 calories, Fat 10 grams fat, SaturatedFat 2 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 22 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 8 grams sugar, Fiber 7 grams fiber, Protein 9 grams protein, Sodium 0.98 milligram of sodium

The term "accidental homemaker" refers to a person who never planned to be a homemaker but finds themselves in that role due to certain circumstances such as being laid off from work, becoming a stay-at-home parent, or caring for a sick family member. Being an accidental homemaker can be challenging, especially when it comes to meal planning and cooking. However, with the right resources, even an accidental homemaker can create delicious and healthy meals for the family.

What is Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone soup is a hearty and nutritious Italian soup made with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta. The soup originated in Italy and has been a popular dish around the world due to its versatility and delicious taste. The ingredients used in minestrone soup can vary depending on the region and the household that is making it. However, most minestrone soup recipes typically include vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, celery, spinach or kale, onions, and garlic. The soup is also made with beans such as kidney beans, cannellini beans, or chickpeas, and pasta such as macaroni or fusilli. The soup can be made with either vegetable broth or beef broth, depending on one's preference.

Why Choose Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone soup is a perfect meal for an accidental homemaker for several reasons. Firstly, since it is made with vegetables, beans, and pasta, it is affordable and can feed a large family. Secondly, it is a one-pot meal, which means that it saves time and effort in cooking and cleaning. Thirdly, it is a healthy meal option as it is packed with nutrients and fiber from the vegetables, beans, and pasta. Finally, the soup is easy to customize to one's taste preferences, so it is easy for an accidental homemaker to adjust the recipe based on the ingredients available or the family's likes and dislikes.

Accidental Homemaker Minestrone Soup Recipes

Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can cannellini beans
  • 1 cup macaroni
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add celery, carrots, and zucchini and sauté for another 5 minutes.
  4. Pour the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes into the pot and bring to a boil.
  5. Add macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes until the macaroni is al dente.
  6. Add salt and black pepper and stir well.
  7. Finally, add the Parmesan cheese and stir well.
  8. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 cup macaroni
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
  1. In a slow cooker, add onion, garlic, celery, carrots, zucchini, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans.
  2. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
  3. Add macaroni and cook on high heat for another 30 minutes.
  4. Season the soup with salt and black pepper.
  5. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Conclusion

Minestrone soup is a healthy and delicious meal that is easy to make, affordable, and perfect for an accidental homemaker. With simple ingredients such as vegetables, beans, and pasta, minestrone soup can be customized to fit any family's taste preferences. These two easy-to-follow minestrone soup recipes require minimal preparation and can be made in under an hour. So, give these recipes a try, and enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal with your loved ones.
Accidental homemaking can happen to anyone – be it due to a change in family dynamics, sudden unemployment, or even a global pandemic. Whatever the cause, one of the most essential skills any accidental homemaker needs is the ability to create nutritious, satisfying meals with whatever ingredients they can find. One such meal is minestrone soup – a hearty, vegetable-based soup that can be made with a variety of ingredients, depending on what's available. In this article, we'll share some valuable tips to help you make delicious and nutritious minestrone soup, even if you're an accidental homemaker without much cooking experience.

Tip 1: Start with a flavourful base

The base of minestrone soup is usually made up of sautéed onions, garlic and celery. This combination provides a flavourful foundation to build on. If you have other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, you can add those in too. Leeks or green onions can also be used to add additional depth of flavour to the soup. It is essential to use fresh vegetables and not canned ones, as fresh vegetables have more flavour and nutrients.

Tip 2: Experiment with different beans and legumes

Beans and legumes are a staple ingredient in minestrone soup. They add texture, protein, and plenty of healthy fiber. Popular beans for minestrone soup include kidney beans, cannellini beans, and chickpeas. However, don't be afraid to try different types of beans and legumes. Black beans or lentils can be used to create a unique and flavourful minestrone soup. You can also mix different types of beans for a more complex flavour.

Tip 3: Don't forget the pasta

Another essential ingredient for minestrone soup is pasta. Small pasta shapes such as macaroni, shells, or fusilli work best - they are bite-sized and can be cooked in the soup. It's best to add the pasta towards the end of cooking, so it doesn't become too soft and lose its texture. To reduce the amount of gluten in the soup, try using gluten-free pasta or replacing it with rice, quinoa or barley.

Tip 4: Add a variety of vegetables

Minestrone soup is a perfect dish to use up any vegetables you have in the fridge. A traditional minestrone soup often includes green beans, zucchini or courgettes, carrots, potatoes and cabbage. However, any vegetables can be used based on your preference. Some vegetables that work particularly well in minestrone soup include kale, spinach or collard greens, parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnips, and butternut squash. Adding a variety of vegetables also increases the nutritional value of the soup.

Tip 5: Use broth or stock for added flavour

Using a good quality vegetable broth or stock can add a lot of flavour to your minestrone soup. You can make your broth or stock or buy it if you prefer the convenience. If you don't have a broth or stock, water can be used as an alternative. However, the soup may not be as flavourful.

Tip 6: Use herbs and spices for extra flavour

Herbs and spices can take your minestrone soup to the next level. Popular herbs for minestrone soup include dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Adding fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary is also an option. Spices such as cumin or paprika can be used to add a unique flavour profile to your soup. If you like it hot, adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can provide some heat.

Tip 7: Don't be afraid of leftovers

Leftovers can be used to create a delicious minestrone soup. You can use leftover vegetables or cooked pasta in your soup. If you have any leftover meat or fish, add it to your soup to make it even more filling. Leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked ground beef can be added to the soup to give it a boost.

Tip 8: Cook the soup slowly

Minestrone soup is best cooked slowly to allow the flavours to develop fully. This is particularly important if you are using dried beans, as they need plenty of time to cook. After sautéing the vegetables, add the broth, beans, and spices to the pot and let it all simmer for an hour or more. For an even richer flavour, let the soup sit overnight before reheating and serving.

Tip 9: Adjust seasoning to taste

One of the most important things to remember when making minestrone soup is to taste it as you go along. This will allow you to adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you find the soup too bland, add more salt or spices. If it's too spicy, add more broth or vegetables to balance it out. With some experimentation, you'll develop a soup that suits your tastes perfectly.

Tip 10: Serve with garnishes

Finally, don't forget the garnishes. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or a dollop of pesto can be added to each bowl of soup. This adds an extra burst of flavour and texture to each bite. Crusty bread or sourdough is another great addition that complements the soup's flavour and texture. You can toast it to add extra crunch, and it acts as the perfect vehicle for soaking up the soup.

Conclusion

Accidental homemaking can be a challenging experience, but with the right approach and a few helpful tips, you can create delicious and nutritious meals for you and your family. Minestrone soup is an excellent option as it is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your preferences. Remember to use fresh vegetables, legumes, and herbs, add pasta, and adjust the seasoning to your taste. With some creativity and experimentation, you'll develop a soup that is uniquely yours.

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