Minestrone Soup
Try this Minestrone Soup recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Minestrone Soup recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 onion, diced
- 32 oz. vegetable broth (i like pacific organic and low sodium)
- 3 tbsp. evoo
- 3-4 tbsp. ghee (omit for vegans and use more evoo)
- 1 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp. freshly chopped basil
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut in 1/2†pieces
- 4 celery stalks cut in 1/2†pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced in to 1/2†pieces
- 5 organic tomatoes (large) peeled and chopped or 1 (32oz) bpa-free canned tomatoes (i like muir glenn organics)
- 4 organic russet potatoes (large) peeled and cut into 3/4†cubes
- 6 garlic cloves diced
- 2 cups fresh green beans cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 head of savoy cabbage or any other type of green cabbage, chopped into large pieces
- 1 can kidney beans (i like eden organic bpa-free)
- 1 can garbanzo beans (i like eden organic bpa-free)
- 1 can cannellini beans (i like eden organic bpa-free)
- or 1/2 cup of each dry bean *see below for soaking
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast optional (recommended for those opting out of using ghee, the nutritional yeast will substitute for the savory flavor that ghee provides)
- himalayan salt and black pepper to taste
- Carbohydrate 58.3934600361674 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 5.54248000435524 g
- Fiber 30.7934001968846 g
- Protein 46.6729800362621 g
- Saturated Fat 0.75944000056334 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (314g)
- Sodium 68.4140000473395 mg
- Sugar 27.6000598392828 g
- Trans Fat 1.70366000135675 g
- Calories 398 calories
Step-by-step
- Add 2 tbsp. Ghee and 2 tbsp. EVOO to a large stock pot and sauté garlic, celery, onion, carrots, and green beans on low for 15 minutes or until veggies are slightly tender.
- Add the vegetable broth, parsley, basil, bay leaf, tomatoes and potatoes and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until potatoes begin to soften.
- Next, drain and rinse the canned beans, and add to the pot along with the zucchini and chopped cabbage.
- Simmer for another 5-10 minutes more until potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork.
- At this point, I like to add an additional heaping spoonful of Ghee for more flavor.
- Take off heat and add Nutritional Yeast, salt and pepper to taste.
- Soak for 18-24 hours and cook ahead of time.
My Comforting Minestrone: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and the never-ending to-do list, finding time for anything beyond basic survival feels like a luxury. But one thing I refuse to compromise on is feeding my family healthy, delicious meals. That's where my trusty Minestrone Soup recipe comes in. It's my secret weapon for combating weeknight chaos and ensuring everyone gets a nutritious, satisfying dinner, even on the busiest days.
This isn't your average Minestrone. It's packed with vibrant vegetables – carrots, celery, zucchini, potatoes, and cabbage – all simmered in a rich broth with hearty beans. The addition of ghee (or extra olive oil for my vegan friends) lends a depth of flavor that's simply irresistible. And let's be honest, the aroma alone is enough to calm even the most frazzled nerves after a long day. The best part? It's incredibly versatile. I often adapt it based on what vegetables are in season or what I have on hand. Sometimes I add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens, or swap out the kidney beans for black beans for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
But the real magic of this recipe lies in its ability to be made ahead. I usually prepare a large batch on the weekend, portion it out into individual containers, and store it in the freezer. Then, on a hectic weeknight, all I have to do is grab a container from the freezer, heat it up, and dinner is served in minutes. It's a lifesaver when I'm short on time and energy. It's also perfect for meal prepping. Making a large batch allows me to have healthy lunches for the entire week. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making each reheated serving even more delicious.
More than just a meal, my Minestrone Soup is a symbol of comfort and nourishment. It represents a moment of pause in the midst of the daily grind, a chance to reconnect with my family over a shared meal. It's a warm hug in a bowl, and that's something I'll always cherish.
Beyond the Recipe: Embracing Imperfection
One of the most liberating things I've learned as a busy mom is to embrace imperfection. My kitchen isn't always spotless, my meals aren't always Instagram-worthy, and there are days when dinner is a quick scramble of whatever I can find. And that's okay. What truly matters is that my family is fed, healthy, and happy. This Minestrone Soup embodies that spirit of imperfection. It's a recipe that allows for flexibility and adaptation, a reflection of the ever-changing rhythms of our lives.
A Taste of Simplicity: The Heart of Home Cooking
In a world obsessed with speed and convenience, there's something profoundly satisfying about slowing down and taking the time to prepare a nourishing meal from scratch. This Minestrone Soup isn't just a recipe; it's a connection to something deeper – the traditions of home cooking, the act of nurturing, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. It's a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there's always time for a little bit of comfort and a whole lot of love.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your day, I encourage you to give this Minestrone Soup a try. It's more than just a meal; it's a way to reconnect with yourself and your family, one comforting spoonful at a time.
