Description
Hearty Minestrone Soup is a cozy, nutritious, and vibrant soup packed with fresh vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, creamy white beans, and a rich vegetable broth. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting soup blends aromatic garlic and onions with fresh herbs, small pasta, and a natural gelling agent for perfect texture. Versatile and customizable, it is ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, delivering wholesome goodness in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Beans
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained
Liquids and Sauces
- 6 cups natural vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (natural)
Other Ingredients
- 3/4 cup small-shaped pasta (ditalini or elbow)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini so they cook evenly. Mince the garlic and set aside. Cube the smoked turkey bacon to release its flavor during cooking. Rinse and drain the white beans if using canned.
- Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy and fragrant. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Build the Broth: Add chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer to allow flavors to develop. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent to slightly thicken the broth, enhancing the texture and heartiness.
- Add Vegetables, Beans, and Pasta: Once the broth is simmering, stir in the zucchini, white beans, and pasta. Cook until pasta is al dente and vegetables are tender but still vibrant, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid overcooking the pasta.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Seasoning: Remove the soup from heat and stir in chopped basil and parsley for a bright herbal finish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to balance the flavors perfectly.
Notes
- Use quality vegetable broth to enhance the flavor depth of the soup.
- Gently soften the base vegetables to develop richer flavors.
- To avoid soggy pasta, cook pasta separately or add it just before serving.
- Season gradually and taste during cooking to prevent over-salting.
- Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to retain their vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: minestrone soup, hearty soup, vegetable soup, healthy recipe, quick soup, turkey bacon soup, plant-based soup variation
