Looking for a hearty, soul-warming dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied? Look no further than this Perfect Vegetarian Minestrone with Optional Sausage! Bursting with vibrant vegetables, protein-packed beans, and a symphony of Italian flavors, this recipe is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you choose to keep it meatless or add a savory twist with Italian sausage, this minestrone is sure to become a family favorite. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Dive into this recipe and discover the magic of homemade comfort food!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup pasta (optional)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing, peeling, and chopping: dice zucchini, chop green beans, dice carrot, chop onion, and mince garlic.
- If using Italian sausage, brown the sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Remove and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrots and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to develop flavor.
- Pour in vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, green beans, and zucchini.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning into the pot and stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- If using pasta, add it during the last 8-10 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
- If previously cooked, return sausage to the pot and heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: Save time by prepping your vegetables in advance. Chop them the night before and store them in the fridge for a quick assembly during cooking.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Spinach, kale, or bell peppers would be great additions!
- Perfect Pasta: If you're adding pasta, choose a small shape like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Add it towards the end of cooking to ensure it remains al dente.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Make It Ahead: This minestrone tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Garnish for Greatness: Elevate your dish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for an irresistible finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
