Ingredients
Scale
Oils & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Liquids & Broth
- 6 cups vegetable broth
Protein & Grains
- 1 1/2 cups cooked cannellini or great northern beans
- 1 cup cooked white rice
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until they soften and release their enticing aroma, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add fresh vegetables and tomatoes: Stir in diced zucchini, green beans, and canned diced tomatoes, letting the flavors meld together before adding liquid.
- Pour in broth and simmer: Add vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Mix in beans and rice: Carefully stir in cooked beans and cooked rice to warm them through without breaking apart, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
- Season and finish: Add salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley and basil. Give the soup a final stir before serving it steaming hot.
Notes
- Use homemade vegetable broth if possible for richer and less salty flavor.
- Cook rice separately to avoid mushy texture; add at the end of cooking.
- Don’t overcook vegetables; keep them tender but with a slight bite for best texture.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to find the perfect balance of salt and spices.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end to brighten the soup’s flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: minestrone soup, beans and rice soup, vegetarian soup, gluten free soup, hearty soup, healthy soup, easy soup recipe