Minestrone is not a recipe you rush. It is a soup built on patience and whatever the season offers. In winter, that means sturdy vegetables, a good pot, and time to let everything soften and come together.
This is the kind of soup that warms the house while it cooks. It simmers quietly on the stove, filling the kitchen with the smell of onions, garlic, and herbs. It is meant to be ladled into deep bowls and eaten slowly.
Why Minestrone Belongs to Winter
Winter cooking has always been about making something nourishing from simple ingredients. Minestrone does exactly that. Beans add substance. Vegetables bring sweetness. Broth ties everything together.
There is no single correct version. Every pot reflects what is on hand, which is why this soup has lasted as long as it has.
Ingredients
This is a flexible recipe. Use what you have and adjust as needed.
- Olive oil
- Onion, chopped
- Carrots, chopped
- Celery, chopped
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Crushed tomatoes or canned tomatoes
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Cannellini beans
- Potatoes or winter squash
- Green beans or kale
- Small pasta or rice
- Dried oregano or thyme
- Bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper
- Parmesan rind if you have one
How to Make It
Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook slowly until soft and fragrant.
Add the garlic and tomato paste. Stir and cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
Pour in the tomatoes and broth. Add the beans, potatoes or squash, herbs, bay leaf, and parmesan rind if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender.
Add the pasta or rice and continue cooking until just done. Stir in the greens during the last few minutes so they soften but keep their color.
Season with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf and parmesan rind before serving.
Serving the Soup
Minestrone is best served hot, with good bread and perhaps a drizzle of olive oil over the top. Grated parmesan is always welcome.
This is a soup that tastes even better the next day. Make a large pot and let it carry you through the week.
A Bowl Worth Filling
Soups like this deserve a bowl with weight. Something that holds the heat and feels steady in your hands. A bowl that makes the meal feel complete.
Minestrone is not fancy food. It is honest food. And that is exactly why it belongs at the winter table.
Explore our handmade pottery bowls designed for soups, stews, and everyday meals.