Print

Hearty Minestrone Soup with Parmesan Rind

hearty minestrone soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy, hearty minestrone soup infused with the savory depth of a Parmesan rind, packed with fresh vegetables and beans for a comforting and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 piece Parmesan rind, about 3 inches
  • 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup small pasta shells or ditalini (optional; use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, a pinch (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and trim the green beans. Mince the garlic (about 10 minutes prep).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and veggies soften, about 6-8 minutes. Add garlic in the last 2 minutes, stirring to avoid burning.
  4. Stir in zucchini and green beans; cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but remain slightly crunchy.
  5. Add canned diced tomatoes with juice and 6 cups vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
  6. Nestle the Parmesan rind into the pot to infuse broth with savory flavor.
  7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Stir in rinsed cannellini beans and pasta. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente. Mash a few beans against the pot side for creaminess if desired.
  9. Remove Parmesan rind. Season soup with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir well.
  10. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

Do not rush sautéing the vegetables to develop sweetness and flavor. Remove Parmesan rind before serving. Add pasta late to avoid mushiness. Mash some beans for natural creaminess. Adjust seasoning gradually. Soup thickens after resting; add broth or water when reheating. Flavors improve after sitting overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: minestrone soup, Parmesan rind, hearty soup, vegetable soup, cozy meals, easy soup recipe, gluten-free option, vegetarian soup

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/hearty-minestrone-soup-with-parmesan-rind-easy-recipe-for-cozy-meals/