Overview #
Minestrone soup is a classic Italian vegetable soup that’s vegetarian, healthy, and incredibly filling. Best of all, it’s remarkably inexpensive - you can feed 2-8 people for under $5, making it perfect for families and meal prep.
One of the great advantages of minestrone is its flexibility. Other than the main ingredients listed below, you can add in pretty much any vegetable in your refrigerator, making it an excellent way to clear out your fridge and reduce food waste.
Video Tutorial #
Watch the full recipe demonstration on my channel:
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Ingredients #
Base Components #
Tomato Soup Base:
- Fresh tomatoes (4-6 medium), or
- Canned tomato paste (6 oz can), or
- Canned diced tomatoes (28 oz can)
Essential Vegetables:
- Celery (3-4 stalks, diced)
- Onions (1 large, diced)
- Carrots (2-3 medium, diced)
Protein & Starch:
- Beans (1-2 cans, 15 oz each - kidney beans, cannellini beans, or chickpeas work great)
- Pasta (1 cup small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
Optional Add-ins #
- Zucchini
- Green beans
- Spinach or kale
- Bell peppers
- Potatoes
- Cabbage
- Garlic (highly recommended!)
Seasonings #
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Vegetable broth or water (6-8 cups)
- Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bay leaves (optional)
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions #
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables #
Wash and dice all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Sauté the Base #
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots (this is called the “soffritto” in Italian cooking). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base #
Add your tomato base (fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, or canned tomatoes) to the pot. If using tomato paste, let it cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize slightly and develop deeper flavor.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Beans #
Pour in your vegetable broth or water. Add the drained and rinsed beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Step 5: Season #
Add your Italian herbs, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Add Pasta and Final Vegetables #
Add your pasta and any quick-cooking vegetables (like zucchini or greens) during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Cook until the pasta is al dente.
Step 7: Adjust and Serve #
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove bay leaves. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and crusty bread on the side.
Tips for Success #
Make it Your Own: Minestrone is incredibly forgiving. Don’t have celery? Use more carrots. No pasta? Add more beans or potatoes.
Storage: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Pasta Note: If you’re meal prepping or planning to freeze the soup, cook the pasta separately and add it when serving. This prevents the pasta from getting mushy.
Budget Stretching: Buy dried beans instead of canned to save even more money. Use whatever vegetables are on sale or in season.
Flavor Boost: A splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors.
Nutrition Information #
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 200-250
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fiber: 7-9g
- Low in fat
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K
Why Minestrone is Perfect for Budget Cooking #
Minestrone soup exemplifies smart, economical cooking. Here’s why it’s such a budget-friendly choice:
- Uses Affordable Ingredients: Dried beans, seasonal vegetables, and pantry staples form the base
- Minimizes Waste: You can use vegetable scraps and odds and ends from your fridge
- Stretches Far: A single pot makes multiple servings and tastes even better the next day
- No Expensive Equipment: Just needs one pot and basic cooking tools
- Filling and Nutritious: The combination of beans, vegetables, and pasta provides complete nutrition
The total cost breakdown for a basic minestrone serving 6-8 people:
- Canned tomatoes: $1.00
- Beans: $1.00
- Pasta: $0.50
- Vegetables (carrots, celery, onion): $2.00
- Seasonings and oil: $0.50
- Total: approximately $5.00
Enjoy your homemade minestrone soup!