Italian Minestrone Soup (Longevity Soup)

This Italian Minestrone Soup (Longevity Soup) is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting a gathering, this hearty soup is sure to impress. Packed with fresh vegetables and legumes, it’s not only delicious but also nutrient-rich, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both taste and health benefits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with vegetables and legumes, this soup offers a wealth of vitamins and minerals.
• Quick and Easy: With just one pot required, you can whip up this delicious meal in under an hour.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or grains for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it great for batch cooking and quick lunches throughout the week.
• Comforting Flavor: The rich combination of tomato paste, herbs, and fresh veggies creates a warm, inviting aroma.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Italian Minestrone Soup (Longevity Soup), you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while providing enough space for all ingredients.
• Sharp knife: A crucial tool for quickly chopping vegetables with ease and precision.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results every time.

Ingredients

This Italian Minestrone Soup is the definition of comfort food. It’s a one-pot soup packed with nutrients, veggies, and legumes, not to mention super delicious!

Vegetables

• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery sticks, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, diced
• 2 bay leaves

Base Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 potato, diced into cubes
• 4 cups vegetable broth, low sodium recommended
• ½ cup dried lentils or 1 can cooked lentils

Beans & Pasta

• 1 can (15oz / 400g) cannellini beans or preferred beans
• 1 cup (4.5oz / 125g) small pasta, such as farfalline pastina

Greens & Seasoning

• 3 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional parmesan cheese rind (omit for vegan recipe)
• Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley

Toppings

• Black pepper and/or red pepper flakes
• Grated parmesan cheese or pecorino
• Crusty bread

How to Make Italian Minestrone Soup (Longevity Soup)

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, add the olive oil, onions, carrots, celery, and bay leaves. Add a good pinch of salt and sauté together for 5 minutes over medium heat until the onions are translucent and vegetables start to soften.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Add the garlic cloves and tomato paste. Sauté for another 3-5 minutes until fragrant and the tomato paste turns a deep dark red color.

Step 3: Incorporate Broth & Lentils

Add the vegetable broth, potato, optional parmesan rind, 2 cups of water, and dried lentils (if using canned lentils, wait until the next step). Season well with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then simmer on low-medium heat with the lid on for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Add Beans & Simmer

Stir in the canned beans along with any cooked lentils if using. Continue simmering with the lid on for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 5: Blend Optional Portion

(Optional) Remove 2 cups of soup from the pot. Add them to a blender and blend until smooth.

Step 6: Cook Pasta

Pour the puree back into the pot along with pasta. Allow it to cook according to package instructions (usually about 7 minutes). Taste for seasoning; if broth is too thick, you can add 1-2 cups of water as needed.

Step 7: Add Spinach

When pasta is almost fully cooked but still al dente, add spinach. Stir through until wilted.

Step 8: Serve!

Remove bay leaves and parmesan rind before serving. Ladle bowls of your delicious Italian Minestrone Soup into dishes. Top with optional drizzle of olive oil, grated cheese, black pepper or red pepper flakes as desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Italian Minestrone Soup (Longevity Soup)

Italian Minestrone Soup is not only hearty and nutritious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can enhance your dining experience with a few simple additions that complement the flavors of this classic soup.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of flavor and freshness to each bowl.

Drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the richness of the soup, making it even more delicious.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping, which makes for a satisfying meal.

Offer Grated Cheese

• Grated parmesan or pecorino cheese can be sprinkled on top for those who enjoy a cheesy finish.

Add Spice

• Provide black pepper or red pepper flakes on the side for those who prefer an extra kick of heat in their soup.

How to Perfect Italian Minestrone Soup (Longevity Soup)

Perfecting Italian Minestrone Soup is about balancing flavors and textures. Follow these tips to elevate your dish to new heights.

• Use Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporate fresh seasonal produce for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water for a lighter texture.
• Experiment with Legumes: Try different beans like kidney beans or chickpeas to mix up flavors and textures.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked just right so it remains firm and doesn’t become mushy in the soup.
• Blend for Creaminess: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding back in.
• Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking instead of all at once for better flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Minestrone Soup (Longevity Soup)

To round out your meal, consider these delightful side dishes that pair well with Italian Minestrone Soup. Each option complements the rich flavors of the soup while adding variety to your table.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, this classic side is perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil provides a refreshing contrast.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice make a nutritious accompaniment.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add an earthy touch that pairs beautifully with minestrone.
6. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze bring vibrant flavors to your meal.
7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, artichokes, and marinated vegetables offers variety and depth alongside your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Italian Minestrone Soup (Longevity Soup) can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes you should steer clear of.

• Bold ingredient choices: Using insufficient or stale ingredients can dull the flavor. Always opt for fresh vegetables and quality broth for a rich taste.
• Ignoring cooking times: Overcooking vegetables can lead to mushiness. Keep an eye on cooking times, especially for pasta and greens, to maintain texture.
• Skimping on seasoning: Under-seasoning is a common error that can make the soup bland. Taste frequently and adjust salt and pepper as you go.
• Not blending enough: If you prefer a creamier texture, skip the step of blending some of the soup. A smooth consistency enhances the overall mouthfeel.
• Overloading with pasta: Adding too much pasta can make the soup heavy and starchy. Measure your pasta carefully to keep a balanced broth-to-pasta ratio.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Italian Minestrone Soup (Longevity Soup)

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion when freezing.

Reheating Italian Minestrone Soup (Longevity Soup)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with a lid or wrap. Microwave on high in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between intervals.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, adding water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Italian Minestrone Soup (Longevity Soup).

What vegetables work best in Italian Minestrone Soup?

You can use a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers. Feel free to customize based on what’s seasonal or available.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Simply omit any cheese rind and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely vegan Italian Minestrone Soup (Longevity Soup).

How long does it take to cook Italian Minestrone Soup?

The total time is approximately 45 minutes, with about 5 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking time.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Absolutely! You can incorporate cooked chicken or turkey for added protein and flavor if desired.

Is Italian Minestrone Soup healthy?

Yes! This soup is packed with vegetables and legumes, providing a nutritious and hearty meal option.

Final Thoughts

Italian Minestrone Soup (Longevity Soup) is a comforting dish that is both delicious and nourishing. Its versatility allows for numerous customization options, enabling you to include your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give it a try and enjoy a bowl of warmth!