What is the secret ingredient in minestrone soup?

The secret ingredient in minestrone soup is often a Parmesan rind simmered in the broth. It slowly melts into the soup, adding deep umami flavor without overpowering the vegetables. For a vegan twist, nutritional yeast or a spoonful of pesto can add similar richness and complexity.

What are all the ingredients in minestrone soup?

A traditional minestrone soup includes aromatics like onions, garlic, and celery; vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, spinach, and green beans; legumes like cannellini or kidney beans; a tomato-based broth; and a carbohydrate such as pasta, rice, or quinoa. Herbs, olive oil, and seasoning like oregano and thyme round out the flavor.

How to make the perfect minestrone?

To make the perfect minestrone soup , start by sautéing your aromatics until fragrant, then add tomatoes, broth, vegetables, and beans in the right sequence. Simmer until tender, and finish with greens, fresh herbs, and a splash of acid like lemon juice. Cook pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers, and always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

What is in traditional minestrone soup?

Traditional minestrone soup includes a variety of seasonal vegetables, white or red beans, pasta or rice, and a tomato-based broth seasoned with garlic, onion, olive oil, and Italian herbs. It's a dish rooted in Italian peasant cooking, designed to be both flexible and filling with whatever fresh produce is available.

Minestrone Soup – The Best Classic Italian Recipe for 2025

Description

This hearty vegan minestrone soup is a wholesome twist on the Italian classic, packed with vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and savory herbs. Perfect for chilly nights, this nourishing one-pot meal is gluten-free, oil-free (optional), and incredibly flavorful!

Ingredients

Scale

1 tbsp olive oil (or water for oil-free)
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, chopped
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium if preferred)
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained & rinsed
½ cup quinoa, rinsed
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste
2 cups baby spinach or kale
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil (or water) in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 3 minutes).
Add Vegetables: Stir in carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Simmer Soup: Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, kidney beans, white beans, quinoa, Italian seasoning, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until quinoa is cooked and vegetables are tender.
Finish with Greens: Stir in spinach/kale and lemon juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until greens wilt.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy with crusty bread or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!

Notes

Make it oil-free: Sauté veggies in water or vegetable broth instead of oil.
Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
Variations: Add diced potatoes, swap quinoa for pasta (gluten-free if needed), or toss in extra veggies like bell peppers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 240
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Vegan minestrone soup, quinoa minestrone, healthy plant-based soup, Italian vegan soup, gluten-free minestrone