Hearty Minestrone Soup
1 HOUR
8 servings, Dairy Free & Vegan
Ingredients
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
¼ cup tomato paste
2 cups chopped seasonal vegetables mix (potatoes, zucchini, green beans or peas all work)
4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 large can diced tomatoes, with their liquid
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 tsp salt
2 bay leaves
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup whole grain orecchiette, elbow or small shell pasta
1 can red or white kidney beans rinsed and drained
2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
2 tsp lemon juice
Preparation
Warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Once the oil is simmering, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, tomato paste and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are turning translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes.
Add the seasonal vegetables, garlic, oregano and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring frequently, about 2 minutes.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and their juices, broth and water. Add the salt, bay leaves and red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper.
Raise heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot with the lid, leaving about a 1” gap for steam to escape. Reduce heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer.
Cook for 15 minutes, then remove the lid and add the pasta, beans and greens. Continue simmering, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the greens are tender.
Remove the pot from the heat, then remove the bay leaves. Stir in the lemon juice and remaining tablespoon of olive oil.