Perfect when you want a main meal soup in a hurry, this quick and easy minestrone soup makes use of a few convenience stand-bys to make a homemade soup ready to eat in about 30 minutes.
What is it about the British weather that makes it so unpredictable? Last week we were basking in glorious spring sunshine and temps around 25 C and today its down by 10 C and overcast with a chilly wind and a storm on the way No wonder soup is so popular with us Brits. It's so versatile. It's so easy to make, can be filling and warming for colder days and yet is not too heavy on warmer days. Perfect for unpredictable weather.
If you like soup as much as we do, you may want to check out my Souper Tips for Tasty Soup not only will you find plenty of tips to help take your soups to the next level and ideas for garnish, I have linked over 30 soup recipes from myself and other bloggers. But meantime here is another fabulous soup for you to try.
I find Minestrone not as rich as some creamed soups, so can be perfect for even hot summer days but the addition of carbs in the form of beans and pasta means it more than filling enough for a main meal.
Can I make this minestrone vegetarian?
I really like the added flavour a little chopped bacon adds to the soup, but it can easily be left out altogether. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken and if you are sprinkling Parmesan cheese on top make sure its a vegetarian Parmesan.
Not all cheeses are suitable for vegetarians (check the package) and of course, if you need to make it vegan then you will have to leave it off altogether. Don't worry it's fine without it.
Is this Minestrone Gluten Free?
Yes if you leave out the pasta. You can replace it with some extra beans or just leave it out altogether. Alternatively, replace with a gluten-free pasta.
Adaptable Quick and Easy Minestrone
You have probably realised by now that this soup is so easily adapted to suit your tastes. I've used frozen mixed vegetables because for this particular recipe it was all about being quick and easy. Having some frozen veg in the freezer can be jolly handy at times.
If you prefer you could dice up your own vegetables and add them to the soup. It takes a little longer to prepare but its a great way of using up the last of green beans or that odd carrot or potato you have lurking in the fridge. Don't have any Parmesan? use any hard grated cheese you have.
Step by Step Quick and Easy Minestrone Soup
Quick and Easy Minestrone
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 4 rashers streaky bacon chopped(optional)
- 400 g can chopped tomatoes
- 400 g can haricot beans (navy) rinsed and drained
- 1 litre chicken stock or vegetable stock
- 250 g frozen mixed vegetables
- 75 g spaghetti
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
To serve
- Parmesan cheese to sprinkle
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the onion, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and bacon and fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in the tomatoes, and stock and bring to the boil.
- Add the beans and frozen vegetable and bring back to the boil.
- Break the spaghetti into short lengths about 2.5cm (1inch) long and add to the pan.
- Simmer for 15 minutes. Spoon into warm serving bowls and sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie says
Oooh yum! I love minestrone, but I've not had it for ages. Really need to put that right soon!! Thanks for linking up to #CookBlogShare. Eb 🙂
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I was in the same boat until recently but this old recipe of mine resurfaced and I decided it was too good not to make again.
Monika Dabrowski says
Great recipes can be so effortless sometimes and this is a good example of one. Delicious and filling but also healthy.