Minestrone soup is a timeless Italian classic that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Lelli’s Minestrone Soup Recipe stands out for its rich blend of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and savory herbs that create a satisfying meal perfect for any season.
We love how this recipe balances wholesome ingredients with simple preparation, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, Lelli’s version offers a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful soup that’s full of tradition and taste.
Let’s dive into this vibrant bowl of goodness that’s sure to become a staple in our kitchens.
Ingredients for Lelli’S Minestrone Soup Recipe
To craft the perfect Lelli’s Minestrone Soup, we gather fresh, wholesome ingredients that bring out the rich, hearty flavors this classic Italian dish is known for. Below is a detailed list of the essential components, measured precisely to ensure balanced taste and texture in every bowl.
Fresh Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for robust flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, with juices)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Beans and Grains
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni) or 1/2 cup Arborio rice for a gluten-free option
Broth and Seasonings
- 6 cups vegetable broth (homemade or low sodium store-bought)
- Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan substitute
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Ingredient Overview Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Prep Details |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Extra virgin |
| Onion | 1 medium | Finely diced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Peeled and chopped |
| Celery | 2 stalks | Chopped |
| Zucchini | 1 medium | Diced |
| Green beans | 1 cup | Trimmed, cut 1-inch |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 cup | Fresh or canned |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups | Roughly chopped |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon | |
| Cannellini beans | 1 can (15 oz) | Drained and rinsed |
| Small pasta/Arborio rice | 1/2 cup | |
| Vegetable broth | 6 cups | Low sodium preferred |
| Salt | To taste | Start with 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground |
| Parmesan cheese (optional) | As desired | Grated |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | As desired | Chopped |
Tip: Using fresh herbs and low-sodium broth enhances the authentic flavor of our Lelli’s Minestrone Soup, giving it that perfectly balanced taste we all love.
This well-rounded ingredient list sets the stage for a flavorful, nutritious minestrone that redefines comfort food with every spoonful.
Equipment Needed
To prepare Lelli’s Minestrone Soup perfectly, having the right equipment simplifies each step and ensures consistent results. Here’s what we recommend keeping ready before we begin:
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
A wide, deep pot with a heavy base distributes heat evenly. It’s essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup thoroughly without burning.
- Sharp chef’s knife
Precision in chopping fresh vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans directly affects the texture and cooking time. A sharp knife makes this process safe and efficient.
- Cutting board
Use a sturdy, spacious cutting board to prep all your ingredients comfortably.
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
Stirring the soup gently during cooking prevents sticking and allows flavors to meld perfectly.
- Measuring cups and spoons
Accurate measurement of ingredients such as broth, beans, pasta, and seasoning guarantees the perfect balance of flavors every time.
- Colander or fine mesh strainer
Useful for rinsing vegetables, draining beans, and pasta once cooked.
- Ladle
For serving the minestrone with ease and precision.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large heavy-bottomed pot | Sautéing and simmering ingredients evenly |
| Chef’s knife | Precise chopping of vegetables |
| Cutting board | Safe and efficient prep space |
| Wooden spoon | Stirring to prevent sticking and mix flavors |
| Measuring cups & spoons | Accurate ingredient measurements |
| Colander or strainer | Washing and draining vegetables, beans, and pasta |
| Ladle | Serving hot soup without spills |
Pro Tip: Always preheat the pot before adding oil or vegetables to cook ingredients uniformly and develop richer flavors for our Lelli’s Minestrone Soup.
With this equipment ready, we ensure a smooth cooking experience and a soup that bursts with wholesome, aromatic goodness.
Preparation Instructions
To create the perfect Lelli’s Minestrone Soup, we begin with careful preparation of our vegetables and broth. This foundation ensures every spoonful bursts with authentic Italian flavor and rich texture.
Prep the Vegetables
- Dice the onions finely to create a flavorful base.
- Mince the garlic cloves; this will infuse the soup with aroma.
- Chop the carrots and celery into small, uniform pieces about ¼ inch. Consistent size ensures even cooking.
- Slice the zucchini into half-moons roughly ⅓ inch thick to retain texture.
- Trim and cut green beans into 1-inch segments for tender bites.
- Rinse fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water and chop coarsely if leaves are large.
Pro Tip: Place all chopped vegetables in separate bowls to keep our cooking organized and seamless.
| Vegetable | Preparation | Size/Shape |
|---|---|---|
| Onion | Dice | Fine pieces |
| Garlic | Mince | Small bits |
| Carrot | Chop | ¼ inch cubes |
| Celery | Chop | ¼ inch cubes |
| Zucchini | Slice | ⅓ inch half-moons |
| Green Beans | Trim and cut | 1-inch segments |
| Spinach | Rinse and chop (if large leaf) | Coarse pieces |
Prepare the Broth
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped carrots and celery, cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pot bottom for extra flavor.
- Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Add herbs such as dried oregano and fresh basil to infuse the broth with classic Italian aroma.
Remember: Simmering the broth slowly deepens the flavors, making our Lelli’s Minestrone Soup truly exceptional.
Cooking Directions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create Lelli’s Minestrone Soup that is bursting with flavor, vibrant colors, and nourishing ingredients.
Sautéing the Aromatics
First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the finely chopped 1 large onion and 3 cloves of garlic (minced). Stir constantly for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. This step unlocks a deep savory foundation for our soup.
“Sautéing the aromatics gently builds the base flavor, setting the stage for each vegetable to shine.”
Adding Vegetables and Beans
Next, add the diced 2 carrots, chopped 2 celery stalks, 1 medium zucchini (cubed), and 1 cup fresh green beans (cut into 1-inch pieces) to the pot. Stir and cook for 6-8 minutes until vegetables begin to soften but remain vibrant.
Then add:
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix everything thoroughly. The beans add creaminess and protein, while the herbs infuse the soup with classic Italian aromas.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Carrots | 2 | Diced |
| Celery stalks | 2 | Chopped |
| Zucchini | 1 medium | Cubed |
| Fresh green beans | 1 cup | Cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Cannellini beans | 1 can (15 oz) | Drained and rinsed |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups | Low-sodium |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
Simmering the Soup
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes. This slow simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to fully tenderize. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
As the soup simmers, add 2 cups fresh spinach in the last 5 minutes. This adds freshness and vibrant color right before serving.
Cooking the Pasta or Rice (if included)
If we include pasta or Arborio rice, here’s how to incorporate it perfectly:
- For small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni), add 1 cup dry pasta to the simmering pot about 10 minutes before the soup finishes cooking. Stir gently to prevent clumping and cook uncovered until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- For Arborio rice, add ½ cup instead and continue to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes. The rice will thicken the soup resulting in a creamier texture.
Pro tip: Taste the pasta or rice periodically to avoid overcooking. The ideal texture complements the stew-like heartiness of Lelli’s Minestrone Soup.
With all elements cooked through, adjust salt and pepper if necessary and serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese or crusty bread for an authentic Italian experience.
Serving Suggestions
To fully enjoy Lelli’s Minestrone Soup, consider these serving tips that enhance its rustic charm and authentic Italian flavor.
- Serve Hot with Garnishes: Ladle the soup into deep bowls while steaming hot. Top with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for richness and a handful of chopped fresh basil or oregano to amplify the herbal notes.
- Pair with Rustic Bread: Accompany the soup with thick slices of crusty Italian bread such as ciabatta or focaccia. Toasted or warm bread helps soak up the flavorful broth and adds a pleasing textural contrast.
- Add a Fresh Salad: Balance the hearty minestrone with a light side salad. A simple arugula and cherry tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil complements the soup’s earthiness beautifully.
- Use as a Base for Variations: Our Lelli’s Minestrone Soup is versatile. After serving a bowl, remix leftovers by adding cooked sausage, diced pancetta, or a squeeze of lemon for different flavor profiles.
| Serving Suggestion | Description | Enhancement Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hot soup with Parmesan | Garnish with shredded cheese and herbs | Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano |
| Crusty Italian bread | Serve alongside thick slices of ciabatta or focaccia | Lightly toast bread for added crunch |
| Fresh salad | Simple arugula and cherry tomato salad with lemon dressing | Keeps meal balanced and refreshing |
| Soup base for variations | Customize leftovers with proteins or acid (lemon) | Adds variety and enriches flavors for future meals |
“The key to savoring Lelli’s Minestrone Soup lies in the simple accompaniments that highlight its fresh ingredients and robust seasoning.”
By combining these serving ideas, we bring out the best in every bowl, creating a warm comforting meal perfect for sharing any day of the year.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
For Lelli’s Minestrone Soup, proper make-ahead and storage practices ensure each bowl tastes as fresh and flavorful as when first made. Follow these steps to maximize convenience and maintain the soup’s vibrant textures and rich aromas.
Make-Ahead Preparation
- Prepare Lelli’s Minestrone Soup fully or up to the step before adding delicate greens like spinach.
- Allow the soup to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes before refrigerating.
- Store the soup without pasta or rice if you plan to reheat later to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Refrigeration Guidelines
- Transfer cooled soup into airtight containers.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Label containers with the date to monitor freshness.
Freezing Instructions
- For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Leave 1 inch of headspace in containers for expansion.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Avoid freezing soup with pasta or rice included to preserve texture.
Reheating Tips
- Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add fresh spinach or other quick-cooking vegetables during reheating for added freshness.
- If you made soup without pasta or rice, cook them separately and add just before serving to keep perfect consistency.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 4 days | Store in airtight containers |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Exclude pasta/rice before freezing |
| Reheating | Immediate after thawing | Add fresh greens and pasta separately |
“To keep the flavors vibrant and the textures ideal, avoid overcooking pasta or rice during initial cooking if planning to store leftovers.“
By following these tips, our Lelli’s Minestrone Soup remains an easy meal to enjoy anytime without sacrificing its rich, comforting character.
Conclusion
Lelli’s Minestrone Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and timeless Italian flavors. With its easy preparation and nourishing qualities, it fits perfectly into our busy lives while bringing comfort to the table.
By mastering this soup, we add a versatile and wholesome dish to our meal rotation that warms both body and soul. Let’s keep this classic recipe close, ready to share and enjoy whenever we crave a hearty, satisfying bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lelli’s Minestrone Soup?
Lelli’s Minestrone Soup is a classic Italian vegetable soup made with fresh vegetables, hearty beans, savory herbs, and optionally small pasta or Arborio rice. It’s a warm, comforting, and nutritious dish perfect for any season.
What ingredients do I need to make Lelli’s Minestrone Soup?
You need onions, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, spinach, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, vegetable broth, and either small pasta or Arborio rice. Using fresh herbs and low-sodium broth enhances the soup’s flavor.
What equipment is required for this recipe?
A large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, a sharp chef’s knife, a cutting board, a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula, measuring cups and spoons, a colander or fine mesh strainer, and a ladle are recommended.
How do I prepare the vegetables for the soup?
Chop all vegetables uniformly for even cooking. Organize them in separate bowls to streamline the cooking process. Sauté onions and garlic first, then add chopped carrots, celery, and the rest of the vegetables.
When should I add pasta or rice to the soup?
Add small pasta or Arborio rice after the broth and vegetables have simmered for a while. Stir periodically and taste to avoid overcooking, ensuring the pasta or rice is tender but not mushy.
What are some serving suggestions for Minestrone Soup?
Serve the soup hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and crusty Italian bread. A light side salad with arugula and cherry tomatoes dressed with lemon juice complements the meal well.
Can I store leftover Minestrone Soup?
Yes, store leftovers in airtight containers. Keep soup refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze (without pasta or rice) for up to 3 months. Add fresh greens when reheating before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The recipe has simple steps and common ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels to create a flavorful and wholesome meal.