In our home, through the autumn and winter months, every Sunday is Soup and Bread for Dinner day. This works out perfectly because we all love soup, autumn and winter are all three of our favorite seasons, and it gives me an excuse to try new soup and homemade bread recipes. What other reasons do you need for a special tradition on Sunday evenings?
This minestrone recipe is one of our very favorites. It's full of veggies and rich in flavor. I can never get over how good our whole house smells when this is simmering on the stovetop. We love pairing this with garlic cheesy bread, as it just seems to be a perfect match with this soup.
Here's the recipe, and I hope you get a chance to make it soon!
Our Favorite Minestrone Soup
olive oil to drizzle in pot
1 medium sweet onion, diced
3-4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
3 ribs of celery, diced
2 tsp, minced garlic
8 cups chicken broth
6 oz. fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into smaller pieces
2 small zucchinis, quartered and sliced
2 cans diced tomatoes
16 oz. tomato sauce
15 oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1.5 tsp. basil
1.5 tsp. parsley
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. coconut sugar
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 cup small pasta of choice
3 cups fresh spinach
In a large stockpot, drizzle enough olive oil to lightly coat the bottom. Sauté your onions, carrots, and celery for at least 10-15 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the carrots are beginning to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté another few minutes, or until fragrant.
Add in the green beans, zucchini, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, kidney beans, and all the seasonings. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes.
After the cooking time has come to pass, add in your pasta of choice and the fresh spinach. Allow to simmer for another 15 minutes or so. The pasta should be soft, and the spinach should be wilted. You may need to add some water if the soup gets too thick.
Serve alongside your favorite bread and Enjoy!