Name: Authentic Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 cloves minced garlic; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup chopped celery (1-2 ribs); 1/2 cup chopped carrots (about 2 carrots); 2 tbsp fresh parsley ((or 1/4 tsp dried parsley or 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning)); 5 cups water (or chicken broth or vegetable broth (adjust salt as you see fit.)); 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups chopped zucchini; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); black pepper to taste

This authentic Italian minestrone soup recipe is not only healthy and easy to make, it’s delicious and a comforting meal on cold weather days. This recipe is low-carb, low calorie, Vegan and gluten-free as well.

Authentic Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe

Authentic Italian Minestrone Soup

It’s that time of year when the cold wind feels like it will cut you in half and leave you needing something hot to eat just to warm you up.

There are days the thermostat can’t even keep up with the wind chill. I have delicious soup recipes, such as my popular Roasted Cherry Tomato Soup, on this website that are tried and true so do check them out before you go!

Minestrone soup is a classic, hearty Italian vegetable soup that has been warming bellies and homes for centuries. It’s a hearty soup made with fresh vegetables and humble origins, making it a perfect way to use up whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand.

Minestrone soup is packed with vitamins, fiber, and plant-based goodness and is as nutritious as it is delicious.

You may also like my Instant Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe recipe, which is a bit more hearty with pasta and beans.

You can make an authentic minestrone soup using simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your fridge making it affordable. It’s an especially great recipe to use up fresh veggies that are overripening such as tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, etc.

Where Did Minestrone Soup Originate?

Minestrone originated in Italy and is often considered a “poor man’s soup” or “cucina povera” which means “poor kitchen” in Italian. I have a memory of my maternal grandmother in her stockings and dress with apron bringing in vegetables from her big garden into her dirt floor kitchen in southern Italy. She made the best gnocchi.

Minestrone soup was traditionally made with leftover seasonal vegetables and beans, reflecting the resourcefulness of Italian peasants.

Over time, it became a beloved dish across all regions of Italy, with each area adding its own twist based on the availability of local produce and flavors.

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Authentic Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe

My Italian family, who lives in Italy, makes this recipe by simmering a variety of vegetables in water rather than chicken broth or vegetable broth. Essentially, you’re making a vegetable broth when you stew vegetables in water.

You’re extracting the vegetable juice from the fresh vegetables and adding additional flavoring from the extra virgin olive oil, garlic, onions, salt and black pepper and fresh herbs.

Therefore, you can make this recipe with water or broth but, if you decide to use broth, you will not need to add as much salt so, keep that in mind. Canned broth already has a lot of salt.

Ingredients

*The full, printable recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor and a bit of fat.
yellow onion
minced garlic
celery ribs
medium carrots
zucchini
green beans
tomato, diced or 8 cherry tomatoes
water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth
salt (if not using canned broth)
fresh parsley (or 1/2 tsp of Italian seasoning)
freshly cracked black pepper

Summary Instructions

*The full, printable recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

First, add olive oil, celery, onions, carrots, garlic and parsley to a Dutch oven or large stock pot and simmer for 10 minutes on med-high heat. Then, add water (or vegetable or chicken broth) followed by the green beans, tomatoes and zucchini.

Next, cover and bring to a boil, then simmer for about 50-55 minutes on med-high heat until the green beans and zucchini are tender. Add black pepper and salt to taste.

*The full, printable recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Additions and Substitutions

Add cabbage, potatoes, kale, or spinach.
Add canned and rinsed beans: Cannellini beans, red kidney beans, lima beans, etc.
Use a parmesan rind to add more flavor.
Use some canned vegetables such as one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes, if you don’t have fresh tomatoes.
Add a small pasta shape such a such as s ditalini or orecchiette pasta to make it more filling.
Use fresh oregano instead of parsley.
Use dried herbs if that’s what’s you have on hand.
Add a dash of red pepper flakes for extra heat, if you wish.

Make It Ahead

This authentic minestrone soup recipe tastes even better the next day because the flavors have time to meld. It makes, makes a great make-ahead meal and have the leftovers for lunch the next day.

Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Minestrone is perfect to enjoy during the cold weather months. As the temperatures drop, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of minestrone soup.

It’s hearty enough to fill you up, thanks to its mix of vegetables and when you add more heartiness such as beans, and pasta, it becomes a filling lunch or even dinner with a hunk of crusty bread.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can adapt it to suit whatever vegetables you have on hand. This makes it an excellent recipe for using up produce that’s nearing or even passing its prime.

This authentic minestrone soup recipe is made with simple ingredients allowing you to use the most of what you have available.

Whether you’re craving a healthy dish during cold winter months or looking to clean out your fridge, this hearty soup is sure to hit the spot. Give this minestrone recipe a try, and enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of this Italian classic!

Best Classic Authentic Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe