Description
Hearty Minestrone Soup is a comforting, nutrient-packed Italian-inspired dish loaded with fresh vegetables, tender white beans, smoked turkey bacon, and aromatic Italian herbs in a rich, flavorful vegetable broth. Perfect for cozy evenings or meal prep, this wholesome soup is easily customizable and ideal for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Savory Additions
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white beans
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
Liquids and Base
- 6 cups vegetable broth (natural)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried oregano (natural)
- 1 tsp dried basil (natural)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Enhancers
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Finely chop smoked turkey bacon, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon and sauté until it releases its smoky aroma. Then add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables soften and the kitchen fills with aroma, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the fresh chopped tomatoes and cook briefly for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to deepen in color and taste.
- Incorporate Beans and Vegetables: Add the cooked white beans and diced zucchini to the simmering broth. Cook gently until the beans are warmed through and zucchini softens slightly but retains a tender bite, about 8-10 minutes.
- Season and Enrich: Sprinkle in oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the natural gelling agent well, helping the broth develop a luscious, well-coated texture.
- Final Simmer and Serve: Let the soup simmer gently on low heat for an additional 15 minutes to fully marry the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot in bowls for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables for the brightest flavors.
- Do not omit smoked turkey bacon for the recipe’s essential smoky depth.
- Simmer the soup low and slow to develop the richest broth.
- Try variations using chickpeas or cannellini beans for different protein textures.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for optimal flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: minestrone soup, hearty soup, vegetable soup, smoked turkey bacon, Italian soup, gluten free soup, plant-based protein, comfort food
