Name: Minestrone
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion diced; 2 carrots diced; 2 celery stalks diced; 3 garlic cloves minced; 1 zucchini diced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or kidney beans drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup small pasta ditalini or elbows; 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano and basil; 2 cups chopped kale or spinach; salt and pepper to taste; parmesan and parsley for serving, optional

01

Overview

Prep15 min

Cook35 min

Total50 min

Servings6

DifficultyEasy

02

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil1 oniondiced2 carrotsdiced2 celery stalksdiced3 garlic clovesminced1 zucchinidiced1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes4 cups vegetable broth1 can (15 oz) cannellini or kidney beansdrained and rinsed1/2 cup small pastaditalini or elbows1 tsp dried Italian herbsor oregano and basil2 cups chopped kale or spinach salt and pepperto taste parmesan and parsleyfor serving, optional

03

Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Ladle
Knife

04

Method

01

Start the soffritto

Warm olive oil in a large pot. Soften onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt until fragrant, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.

02

Simmer the soup

Add zucchini, tomatoes, broth, beans, and herbs. Bring to a simmer and cook about 15 minutes until vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper.

03

Finish with pasta and greens

Add pasta and cook until al dente. Stir in kale or spinach until wilted. Ladle into bowls and top with parsley or parmesan.

✦

Tips

NoteAurora prefers the garnish. I prefer the last bite.

NoteMake it once, then make it yours with tiny swaps.

NoteLeftovers are friends if you store them kindly.

✦

Nutrition

Caloriesvaries

NoteApproximate; depends on servings and toppings

✦

Storage

RefrigeratorStore covered and reheat gently when needed.

Best freshFlavor and texture are happiest the day you make it.

?

Frequently asked

Can I change it a little?+

Yes — keep the heart of the method and swap toppings or veggies as you like.

How do I store leftovers?+

Cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently when needed.

Is this hard?+

No — easy steps, soft kitchen energy.

Minestrone

Overview

Ingredients

Equipment