Description
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Italian Minestrone Soup (Longevity Soup), a hearty dish brimming with vibrant vegetables and protein-packed legumes. This nutritious one-pot wonder is perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. With its colorful ingredients and rich taste, this soup is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of wholesome goodness. Easy to prepare and adaptable to your pantry staples, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a staple in many kitchens. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the essence of Italian home cooking!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 onion finely diced
- 2 carrots finely diced
- 2 celery sticks finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 potato diced into cubes
- 4 cups vegetable broth – low sodium
- ½ cup dried lentils or 1 can cooked lentils
- 1 can (15oz / 400g) cannellini beans or preferred beans
- 1 cup (4.5oz / 125g) small pasta – farfalline pastina
- 3 cups spinach – roughly chopped
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Black pepper and/or red pepper flakes
- Grated parmesan cheese or pecorino (omit for vegan)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onions, carrots, celery, and bay leaves with a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for another 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add diced potatoes along with dried lentils (if using). Season with salt and pepper; bring to a boil then simmer covered for 15-20 minutes.
- If using canned lentils, add them along with cannellini beans now. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- For creaminess, blend part of the soup if desired before adding small pasta.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, adding more water if needed.
- Stir in spinach until wilted, then serve hot garnished with olive oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg