Description
Warm up with Hearty Minestrone Soup filled with fresh vegetables, savory smoked turkey slices, and rich plant-based broth for a cozy and comforting meal. This classic Italian-inspired soup combines wholesome ingredients with vibrant colors and textures, making it perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a nourishing, satisfying bowl of comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Aromatics and Base Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
Greens and Tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes (canned or fresh), diced
Protein and Carbohydrates
- 1 cup cooked cannellini beans
- 6 oz smoked turkey slices, chopped
- 3/4 cup whole-grain pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups vegetable broth (plant-based)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Sea salt to taste
- Cracked black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add the Veggies and Broth: Stir in chopped zucchini, fresh spinach leaves, and diced ripe tomatoes. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer to allow the flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
- Season and Enrich: Add the smoked turkey slices, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, then simmer for 10 minutes to blend all the flavors.
- Beans and Pasta Finish: Mix in the cooked cannellini beans and whole-grain pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent to slightly thicken the broth to the desired consistency.
- Final Taste Check and Serve: Stir the soup, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm in bowls for a comforting meal that invites seconds.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and color.
- Simmer gently to develop flavors slowly and keep vegetables intact.
- Prepare ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking.
- Use pre-cooked or canned beans to save time and add creaminess.
- Add pasta towards the end to avoid overcooking and maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: minestrone soup, smoked turkey soup, plant-based broth, healthy soup, comfort food, Italian soup, gluten free
