Description
Indulge in the warmth and richness of Italian Minestrone Soup, also known as Longevity Soup, a delightful dish that embodies comfort food at its finest. Bursting with vibrant vegetables and protein-packed legumes, this hearty soup is perfect for chilly nights or as a nourishing option for gatherings with loved ones. Its flexibility allows you to customize it according to your taste, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or family dinner. With every spoonful, savor the wholesome flavors derived from fresh ingredients, creating a fulfilling and nutritious experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery sticks, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 potato, diced into cubes
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
- ½ cup dried lentils or 1 can cooked lentils
- 1 can (15oz / 400g) cannellini beans or preferred beans
- 1 cup (4.5oz / 125g) small pasta (farfalline pastina recommended)
- 3 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and bay leaves for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and tomato paste; cook for another 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in vegetable broth, potato, water, and lentils (if using dried). Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes.
- If using canned lentils and beans, add them now and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Blend a portion of the soup if desired for creaminess.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions in the soup.
- Stir in spinach until wilted before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg