Description
A warm hug in a bowl, this Enhanced Minestrone Soup is packed with rich flavors and comforting textures. It’s a delightful mix of vegetables and hearty Italian sausage, perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- In a large pot or slow cooker, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until vegetables are tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Stir in vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, zucchini, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer for the best flavor infusion.
- If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For stovetop, allow the soup to simmer for about 25 minutes.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in spinach or kale and pesto.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Taste before serving to adjust seasoning as desired. For thicker soup, mash some beans against the pot’s side. Leftovers can be stored for up to five days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg