Let’s talk soup. Not just any soup, but Minestrone-the hearty, comforting, vegetable-packed Italian classic that’s the very definition of cozy in a bowl. If you’ve ever wandered through an Italian kitchen or dreamt of authentic flavors without leaving home, this recipe is your ticket.
Scarantino’s Minestrone Soup is not just about throwing vegetables into a pot; it’s about layers of flavors, textures, and aromas that dance together. From the earthy depth of beans to the freshness of herbs and the tender bite of pasta, every spoonful is like a little taste of Italy. And the best part? It’s completely flexible-you can adapt it to whatever you have on hand, which makes it a go-to for home cooks who crave both comfort and creativity.
Scarantino’s Minestrone Soup Recipe
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a ritual. The kind where chopping, stirring, and simmering slowly transforms humble ingredients into a bowl of soul-warming goodness. Here’s how Scarantino brings this classic to life: rich, wholesome, and layered with flavor.
Ingredients Needed
To make this minestrone, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and fresh produce. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
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Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 potato, peeled and diced
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Legumes & Protein
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Optional: small handful of cooked pancetta for added depth
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Tomatoes & Base
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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Pasta & Grains
- 1/2 cup small pasta shapes (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- Optional: 1/4 cup cooked rice for a heartier version
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Herbs & Seasoning
- 2 tsp dried Italian herbs or 1 tbsp fresh chopped thyme and rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
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Finishing Touches
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Cooking Instructions
Let’s get cooking, step by step, with that sense of ease and joy every home cook needs:
- Prep your ingredients: Chop, dice, and mince everything so you have it ready. This makes the cooking flow effortless.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
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Add The Vegetables & Liquids
- Stir in zucchini, green beans, and potato. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes and broth. Stir to combine.
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Season & Simmer
- Toss in the bay leaves and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
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Add Beans & Pasta
- Stir in cannellini beans and pasta. Simmer for another 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
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Final Touches
- Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan on top.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s dig into why these ingredients make this minestrone special:
- Carrots & Celery: Provide a sweet, aromatic base, classic in Italian cooking.
- Beans: Give the soup protein and creaminess without heaviness. Cannellini beans are ideal for their smooth texture.
- Zucchini & Green Beans: Maintain freshness and slight crunch, balancing the softer vegetables.
- Tomatoes: Bring acidity and depth, transforming the soup from plain to vibrant.
- Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and parsley add that unmistakable Italian aroma.
- Pasta: Adds body and comfort. Small shapes absorb the broth without overwhelming the soup.
Expert Tips
Want to take this from good to unforgettable? Here are some insider tips:
- Layer your flavors: Don’t just throw everything in at once. Sautéing vegetables first builds a depth you can’t get by boiling alone.
- Season gradually: Taste as you go. Soup needs time for flavors to meld, but the seasoning balance is crucial.
- Beans: If using dried beans, soak them overnight for creamier results.
- Texture: Keep pasta slightly undercooked if you plan to store leftovers; it will continue to soften in the fridge.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs added at the end brighten the flavor; dried herbs can go in earlier to release their aroma.
Recipe Variations
Scarantino’s minestrone is a flexible canvas. Here are a few variations:
- Hearty & Filling: Add cooked sausage or pancetta for a meatier version.
- Gluten-Free: Swap pasta with quinoa or rice.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use vegetable broth and skip cheese; nutritional yeast works beautifully as a topping.
- Seasonal Twist: Substitute vegetables depending on the season-squash in fall, asparagus in spring.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk just before serving.
Final Words
Making Scarantino’s Minestrone Soup isn’t just about feeding the body-it’s about nurturing the soul. Each spoonful warms you from the inside out. It’s comfort, creativity, and Italian tradition all simmered into one pot.
Even better, it’s one of those recipes where mistakes are almost impossible-overcook a veggie? It just adds creaminess. Forgot an herb? Flavor can be adjusted at the end. It’s forgiving, versatile, and endlessly satisfying.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Required For Scarantino’s Minestrone Soup?
Scarantino’s minestrone soup typically requires onions, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, cannellini beans, pasta (like small shells or ditalini), vegetable broth, olive oil, fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, and thyme), salt, and black pepper.
Is Scarantino’s Minestrone Soup Vegetarian Or Vegan?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian and can be vegan if no cheese or animal-based broth is added. The base is vegetable broth and all ingredients are plant-based.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare And Cook Scarantino’s Minestrone Soup?
Preparation usually takes about 15-20 minutes for chopping vegetables, while cooking time is around 35-40 minutes, making the total time approximately 50-60 minutes.
Can I Make Scarantino’s Minestrone Soup In Advance?
Yes, the soup can be made a day in advance. It often tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.
What Type Of Pasta Works Best In This Minestrone Soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal, as they blend well with the vegetables and beans without overwhelming the soup.
How Can I Store Leftovers Of Scarantino’s Minestrone Soup?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, the soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently over low heat.
Can I Adjust The Vegetables In The Recipe Based On What I Have?
Absolutely. Scarantino’s recipe is versatile. You can substitute or omit vegetables according to seasonality or preference, such as using kale instead of spinach or butternut squash instead of zucchini.
Should I Add The Pasta During Cooking Or Just Before Serving?
It is best to add the pasta toward the end of cooking, about 10-12 minutes before serving, to prevent it from becoming overcooked and mushy. Alternatively, you can cook pasta separately and add it to individual servings.
What Herbs And Seasonings Enhance The Flavor Of This Minestrone Soup?
Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme are recommended, along with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. A dash of grated Parmesan (if not vegan) can also elevate the flavor.
Can Scarantino’s Minestrone Soup Be Made In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can adapt it for a slow cooker. Add all vegetables, beans, broth, and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add pasta in the last 20-30 minutes to avoid overcooking.