Minestrone alla Genovese: A Hearty Italian Delight

Table of Contents

Toggle

#Minestrone alla Genovese

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Large pot, cutting board, knife, ladle, and measuring cups.

Ingredients

  

• Vegetables:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 medium carrots diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 1 medium potato diced
• 1 zucchini diced
• 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes canned or fresh
• Legumes & Grains:
• 1 can 15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni
• Herbs & Spices:
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Sauté the Vegetables:
• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until softened.
• Add Remaining Ingredients:
• Add the potato, zucchini, green beans, chopped tomatoes, and cannellini beans to the pot. Stir to combine.
• Pour in the Broth:
• Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, adding the bay leaf and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
• Cook the Pasta:
• After 30 minutes, add the pasta to the pot. Simmer for another 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
• Season and Serve:
• Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
• Variations and Substitutions
• Vegan: Use vegetable broth and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or omit it altogether for a low-carb option.
• Add Protein: For added protein, toss in some diced cooked chicken or sausage.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as kale, spinach, or bell peppers.

Let’s dive into a classic Italian comfort food that brings warmth to any table: Minestrone alla Genovese. This hearty soup is loaded with vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it a versatile and nutritious option for any meal. From my own personal experience, this dish is perfect for using up leftover veggies, and it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Let me show you how I make this delicious dish step by step.

Notes on What to Expect

Minestrone alla Genovese is a wonderfully adaptable dish that can be tailored to suit individual tastes and dietary needs. It’s hearty enough to be a main course but can also serve as a delightful starter. Expect a colorful, nutrient-rich soup that fills the kitchen with the comforting aroma of Italian herbs and vegetables.

By keeping the ingredients flexible and experimenting with different flavors, you can create a dish that suits your preferences while enjoying the essence of Italian cooking. This is not just a meal; it’s a canvas for culinary creativity.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $15 – $20 (varies by region)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main or Appetizer
• Equipment Needed: Large pot, cutting board, knife, ladle, and measuring cups.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #minestroneallagenovese here 

Ingredients

• Vegetables:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium potato, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Legumes & Grains:
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• Herbs & Spices:
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #minestroneallagenovese here 

Method

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   • Add the potato, zucchini, green beans, chopped tomatoes, and cannellini beans to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Pour in the Broth:
   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, adding the bay leaf and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   • After 30 minutes, add the pasta to the pot. Simmer for another 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
5. Season and Serve:
   • Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegan: Use vegetable broth and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or omit it altogether for a low-carb option.
• Add Protein: For added protein, toss in some diced cooked chicken or sausage.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as kale, spinach, or bell peppers.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #minestroneallagenovese here 

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 8g
• Fat: 5g
• Sodium: Varies based on broth used

Tips for Troubleshooting

• Too Thick: If the soup is thicker than desired, simply add a bit more broth or water to achieve your preferred consistency.
• Not Enough Flavor: Enhance the flavor by adding more herbs or a splash of balsamic vinegar for brightness.
• Overcooked Pasta: If you accidentally overcook the pasta, it may become mushy. Next time, add it to the pot a bit later, following the package instructions for cooking times.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or looking for a quick meal during a busy week, Minestrone alla Genovese is a fantastic choice. It’s delicious, nutritious, and easy to whip up. Based on my overall experience, this soup is one that’s sure to please everyone at the table, and it’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. Happy cooking.