Winter Minestrone Veggie Soup

Name: Winter Minestrone Veggie Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or macaroni); 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Warm up with a hearty bowl of Winter Minestrone Veggie Soup, packed with seasonal vegetables and wholesome flavors.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-29T15:42:28.411Z

This Winter Minestrone Veggie Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. Bursting with nutrients and flavor, it’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table.

        Why You Will Love This Soup
        Loaded with fresh seasonal vegetables
Rich in flavor with aromatic herbs and spices
Perfectly hearty and satisfying for cold winter nights

      

Nourishing Ingredients for Winter Wellness

Winter Minestrone Veggie Soup is a fantastic way to incorporate seasonal produce into your meals. The combination of carrots, celery, and zucchini not only adds vibrant colors to the dish but also boosts its nutritional value. These vegetables are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system during the colder months.

Each bowl of this soup is packed with the goodness of beans, which serve as a great source of protein and fiber. Kidney beans and cannellini beans not only add a creamy texture but also help keep you feeling full and satisfied. This makes the soup an excellent option for lunch or dinner, ensuring you stay energized throughout the day.

A Symphony of Flavors

What sets this Winter Minestrone Veggie Soup apart is its rich blend of herbs and spices. The use of dried oregano and basil brings an aromatic depth that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables. These herbs are not just flavorful; they also provide numerous health benefits, including antioxidant properties that help fight inflammation.

As the soup simmers, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting and hearty dish. The addition of garlic adds a savory punch, enhancing the overall taste and making every spoonful a delight. The balance of flavors ensures that the soup is not only nourishing but also incredibly satisfying.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Winter Minestrone Veggie Soup is ideal for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch at the beginning of the week and store it in the fridge or freezer for quick meals. The flavors actually improve as the soup sits, making it a delicious option to enjoy throughout the week.

Reheating the soup is simple—just warm it on the stove or in the microwave. You can also customize it by adding different seasonal vegetables or swapping out the beans based on what you have on hand. This versatility makes it a staple recipe for your winter meal rotation.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for a delicious and hearty soup.

Vegetables and Base

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
6 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

Beans and Pasta

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or macaroni)
1 cup spinach or kale, chopped

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can begin making your soup.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Winter Minestrone Veggie Soup.

Sauté the Base

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Add Garlic and Zucchini

Stir in the minced garlic and diced zucchini, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Combine Broth and Seasonings

Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Add Beans and Pasta

Once boiling, add the kidney beans, cannellini beans, and pasta. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked.

Finish with Greens

Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Your Winter Minestrone Veggie Soup is now ready to be served! Enjoy it hot!

Storage Tips for Leftovers

To store your Winter Minestrone Veggie Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. This way, you can enjoy a warm bowl of soup anytime you want without the hassle of cooking from scratch.

When reheating frozen soup, it's best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before warming it on the stovetop. This method helps maintain the texture and flavors of the vegetables and pasta, ensuring that each serving tastes just as good as the first.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Winter Minestrone Veggie Soup with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can add a delightful richness and an additional layer of flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon complements the hearty soup perfectly.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving. This can elevate the soup and provide a warming kick, making it even more suitable for chilly winter nights.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and also freezes nicely.

→ What can I substitute for pasta?

You can use quinoa or rice as a gluten-free alternative.

→ Can I add meat to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.

→ How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste.