Winter Minestrone Soup

Winter Minestrone Soup is the ultimate comfort dish for chilly days. Packed with seasonal vegetables, this soup is not just healthy but also bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy night in. Once you try this recipe, it will surely become your go-to winter favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Wholesome: Bursting with winter vegetables, this soup is a great way to boost your intake of vitamins and minerals.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep work, you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite veggies or grains to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your delicious bowl of goodness.
• Freezable: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals later in the season.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Winter Minestrone Soup requires just a few essential tools that make cooking easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing vegetables, enhancing their flavors before adding them to the soup.
• Cutting board and Knife: Essential for chopping ingredients quickly and safely.

Ingredients

This version of Minestrone is made exclusively with vegetables that are at their best in winter. Or should I say packed with them? Seriously, so many flavors in this one you will mark it as your winter favorite. Healthy, comforting, delicious!

Beans

• 1½ cups cooked cannellini or butter beans, rinsed and drained (1 15 oz. can if using canned / ¾ cups if using dry)

Vegetables

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup red onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup celeriac, cubed
• 1 medium sweet potato, diced

Herbs & Seasoning

• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Stock & Grains

• 8 cups vegetable or chicken stock or water (only needed if you don’t cook beans yourself)
• 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa

Greens & Garnish

• 2 cups chopped fresh kale, thick ribs removed
• 3 tbsp finely chopped basil
• 2 oz (60g) Parmesan, grated (omit for vegan)

How to Make Winter Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Beans (if using dried)

If you’re using dried beans, soak them overnight in water or use the quick soak method: bring to boil, boil for 3 minutes, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.

Step 2: Cook the Beans

Discard the soak water and add 8 cups of fresh water for cooking. In a large pot, simmer the beans with a little salt along with aromatics such as onion, garlic, carrot, celery, rosemary, thyme—whatever you have on hand—with the lid half on. Cook for about 45 minutes to 1½ hours until tender. Discard aromatics while keeping beans in the liquid.

Step 3: Use Stock as Base

Alternatively, simply use vegetable or chicken stock (8 cups) instead of bean cooking liquid along with already cooked or canned beans.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté carrots, celery, red onion, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme for about 8 minutes. Transfer these sautéed vegetables to the pot with cooking liquid or stock along with cooked beans.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add celeriac, sweet potatoes, canned tomatoes, and quinoa to the pot. Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove bay leaves before seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Finish with Greens

Add chopped kale to the pot and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until wilted. If necessary, add more water if the soup appears too thick. Stir in chopped basil just before serving. Serve warm in bowls garnished with Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Winter Minestrone Soup

Serving Winter Minestrone Soup can enhance the experience and bring out the vibrant flavors of this hearty dish. Here are some delightful ways to serve it.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted with a hint of garlic, this bread adds an aromatic flavor that complements the soup beautifully.

Garnished with Herbs

• Fresh Basil: Adding a sprinkle of chopped basil right before serving elevates the fresh herb flavor.
• Chopped Parsley: A handful of parsley not only brightens the soup but also adds a pop of color.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: For those who enjoy dairy, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds richness and depth.
• Vegan Cheese Alternatives: If you prefer vegan options, try using a plant-based cheese for a similar effect without dairy.

Accompanied by Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty soup, adding freshness to your meal.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well, providing crunch and flavor contrast to the warm soup.

How to Perfect Winter Minestrone Soup

To make your Winter Minestrone Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your recipe.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for seasonal vegetables to maximize flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add extra broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper gradually allows you to control the flavor better.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a bit before serving helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with Herbs: Don’t hesitate to incorporate other herbs like rosemary or oregano for added depth in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Winter Minestrone Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Winter Minestrone Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Knots: Soft and buttery garlic knots are perfect for scooping up every last drop of soup.
2. Herb Focaccia: This flavorful bread infused with herbs adds a lovely aroma and texture alongside the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables brings out earthy flavors that complement the soup’s taste.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice can round out your meal while keeping it healthy.
5. Crispy Polenta Fries: These savory bites add crunch and make for a delightful dipper in your minestrone.
6. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits with cheese offer a satisfying addition that pairs perfectly with hot soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Winter Minestrone Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect soup.

• Bold flavorlessness: Failing to season properly can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking.
• Ignoring fresh herbs: Not adding fresh herbs at the end can miss out on vibrant flavors. Incorporate fresh basil or thyme just before serving for maximum impact.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender but firm veggies for a hearty texture.
• Skipping the soaking step: If using dried beans, skipping the soak can lead to longer cooking times. Soak beans overnight or use quick soaking methods for better results.
• Neglecting ingredients order: Adding all ingredients at once may result in uneven cooking. Follow the recipe’s order to ensure each ingredient is cooked perfectly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 3–4 days for best flavor and freshness.

Freezing Winter Minestrone Soup

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Winter Minestrone Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Winter Minestrone Soup that might help you in your cooking journey.

Can I use other beans in Winter Minestrone Soup?

Yes, you can substitute cannellini or butter beans with other beans like kidney or black beans based on your preference.

How can I make Winter Minestrone Soup vegan?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese from the recipe. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

What vegetables work best in Winter Minestrone Soup?

Use seasonal winter vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and kale for the best flavor and nutrition.

How do I customize my Winter Minestrone Soup?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, legumes, or grains. You could also spice it up with chili flakes for some heat!

Final Thoughts

Winter Minestrone Soup is a delightful blend of seasonal flavors that warms you from the inside out. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand. Try this comforting dish today!

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Winter Minestrone Soup

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Winter Minestrone Soup is a heartwarming bowl of goodness, perfect for chilly days and cozy family gatherings. This nutritious soup is brimming with seasonal vegetables, beans, and quinoa, making it not only delicious but also a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. The vibrant flavors meld together beautifully in a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to customize according to your taste. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or freezing portions for later, this comforting dish will quickly become a winter staple in your home.

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Ingredients

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• 1½ cups cooked cannellini or butter beans
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup red onion, diced
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup celeriac, cubed
• 1 medium sweet potato, diced
• 8 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 (14½-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
• ½ cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups chopped fresh kale

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Instructions

1. If using dried beans, soak overnight or use the quick soak method. Drain and rinse.
2. In a large pot, cover beans with fresh water and simmer with aromatics (onion, garlic, carrot) for about 45 minutes to 1½ hours until tender.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté carrots, celery, red onion, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme in olive oil for about 8 minutes.
4. Transfer sautéed vegetables to the pot with cooking liquid or stock along with cooked beans.
5. Add celeriac, sweet potatoes, canned tomatoes, and quinoa; bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
6. Stir in chopped kale and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 11g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg