Cozy Cold Weather Minestrone Soup Recipe for Winter Warmth

The chilly air bites at your cheeks while the comforting aroma of simmering soup fills the kitchen. Cold Weather Minestrone Soup is a warm hug in a bowl, where each spoonful wraps you in a cozy embrace that makes winter feel like a season of joy rather than gloom.

Picture this: You’re nestled on the couch, wrapped in your favorite blanket, and a steaming bowl of this hearty minestrone awaits you. With vibrant vegetables, tender beans, and fragrant herbs mingling together, this dish is perfect for warming your soul on those frosty evenings.

I can still hear my family’s contagious laughter as we gathered around the table for our first winter dinner featuring this soup.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits; it sets the stage for a wonderful base.
• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; ensure it’s diced finely to blend seamlessly into the soup.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots provide sweetness and color; choose firm ones that offer a satisfying crunch.
• Celery: This adds a refreshing crunch and aroma; opt for fresh stalks to enhance texture.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor profile; don’t skimp on it for that aromatic punch.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: I recommend using fire-roasted tomatoes for an added depth of flavor and warmth.
• Vegetable Broth: A good quality broth ensures every sip is packed with flavor; homemade or store-bought works well.
• Cannellini Beans: These creamy beans offer protein and heartiness; drain and rinse them before adding to the pot.
• Zucchini: Fresh zucchini provides texture; slice it thinly so it cooks evenly without becoming mushy.
• Spinach or Kale: Add greens towards the end of cooking for nutrition and vibrant color; they wilt beautifully in hot broth.
• Pasta (Ditalini or Small Shells): Choose small pasta shapes to nestle among the veggies; cook them al dente before adding to your soup.
• Dried Italian Herbs (Basil, Oregano): These herbs infuse your soup with classic Italian flavor; I love using a generous pinch of each.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste throughout cooking to bring all those flavors together beautifully; adjust as needed.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cold Weather Minestrone Soup

Sautéing Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic until golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen like a warm hug from grandma.

Add Tomatoes & Broth: Pour in canned tomatoes along with their juices followed by vegetable broth. Stir well to combine everything into a delightful pot of goodness.

Add Veggies & Beans: Toss in cannellini beans, zucchini, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to let it simmer gently.

Cook Pasta: Prepare pasta separately until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well before adding it into your soup pot.

Add Greens & Serve: Just before serving, stir in fresh spinach or kale until wilted but still vibrant green. Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread!

Now you are ready to savor each spoonful of this delightful Cold Weather Minestrone Soup! Enjoy those cozy moments as you share this heartwarming dish with family or friends during chilly evenings!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add vegetables and broth in sequence for maximum flavor. Simultaneously cook your pasta separately to keep it al dente. This method ensures a delightful mix of textures and flavors without mushiness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Cold Weather Minestrone Soup by swapping in seasonal vegetables like squash or kale instead of the usual greens. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs for a unique twist that suits your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much for a smooth consistency.

Creating this soup reminds me of family gatherings where everyone clamors for more, each spoonful filled with warmth and love that transcends mere ingredients.

FAQ

What vegetables work best in Cold Weather Minestrone Soup?

Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips add heartiness while leafy greens such as spinach or kale provide freshness. Feel free to mix and match based on what’s in your fridge!

Can I make Cold Weather Minestrone Soup vegan?

Absolutely! Just replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the cheese garnish. You won’t miss a beat in flavor while keeping it plant-based.

How can I thicken my Cold Weather Minestrone Soup?

A simple trick is to puree a portion of the soup and stir it back into the pot. Alternatively, adding a bit of flour mixed with water can help achieve your desired consistency.

Can I freeze Cold Weather Minestrone Soup?

Yes! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well frozen for up to three months; just thaw overnight before reheating.

Conclusion for Cold Weather Minestrone Soup

In summary, this Cold Weather Minestrone Soup is not just about comforting warmth but also versatility and flavor optimization. With your personalized touches, perfect cooking techniques, and proper storage methods, you’ll create a masterpiece that friends and family will cherish during chilly nights! Enjoy every heartfelt spoonful!

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Cold Weather Minestrone Soup

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Cold Weather Minestrone Soup is the ultimate comfort dish for chilly evenings. This hearty soup, brimming with vibrant vegetables, tender beans, and aromatic herbs, warms your soul and fills your kitchen with enticing aromas. Perfect for cozy nights in or entertaining guests, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that everyone will love.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• 1 cup ditalini pasta (or small shells), uncooked
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add fire-roasted tomatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a simmer.
4. Incorporate cannellini beans, zucchini, dried herbs, salt, and pepper; simmer gently.
5. Cook pasta separately until al dente; drain and add to the soup.
6. Stir in spinach or kale just before serving until wilted.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Feel free to swap vegetables based on availability. For added richness, consider using home-cooked broth. This soup stores well; refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.