As the temperature drops down, our bodies instantly crave for warm, filling things to savor. Soups come in very handy during this season as they are not only easy to make but also quite nourishing for our bodies.
One of the most famous Italian soups, the Minestrone is a thick soup made with lots of vegetables that can easily replace a meal in your diet. I hope this soup recipe makes you feel all the warmth I am sending your way for the New Year.
| Servings | 4 persons |
| Course | Soups & Salads |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
Ingredients for the Minestrone Soup(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml) |
|
| 1 – 2 Nos. | Bay leaves |
| 3 tbsp | Olive oil |
| ½ cup | Onion chopped |
| 2 – 3 tbsp | Garlic minced |
| ½ cup | Celery chopped |
| ¼th cup | Carrots, chopped |
| ½ cup | Zucchini chopped |
| ¼th cup | Potatoes chopped |
| 3 cups | Tomatoes, chopped |
| 1 cup | Macaroni |
| 1 cup | Boiled rajma (kidney beans) |
| A few | Basil leaves |
| 1 tsp | Dried oregano |
| 1 – 1½ liters | Veg stock |
| 2 tbsp | Maggi hot n sweet sauce (optional) |
| Salt to taste | |
| Pepper to taste | |
| Tabasco to taste | |
| ½ cup | Fresh parmesan cheese grated for garnish |
Instructions for the Minestrone Soup |
|
| 1. | Heat Olive Oil in a crockpot or thick bottom pan. Add bay leaf. Sauté the onions, garlic, and celery. Add in the zucchini. Cook for 1-2 minutes. |
| 2. | Add in the zucchini, carrots, and potatoes. Sauté for a few minutes. |
| 3. | Add in the tomatoes. Sauté for 2 minutes. |
| 4. | Add in the stock and oregano, and bring to a boil. Simmer on a low flame for 5 – 7 minutes. |
| 5. | Add in the boiled beans and uncooked macaroni. Boil until the soup gets a little body and the pasta is cooked. |
| 6. | Add in the basil leaves in the end. Season soup with salt, pepper, tabasco and the Maggi hot & sweet sauce. |
| 7. | Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and serve. |
Notes:
- The vegetables should be cut to the same size so they cook at the same time.
- Do not overcook any vegetables. It should retain their crunch.
