Warm up with a delicious bowl of Harvest Autumn Minestrone Soup that packs in all the flavors of the season! This hearty soup is loaded with fresh veggies, like butternut squash, kale, and green beans, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. Perfect for chilly days, this recipe is easy to follow and ready in just 45 minutes. Click through to discover how to make this comforting soup and enjoy a taste of autumn!
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 zucchini, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup kale, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
![For a delightful bowl of Autumn Minestrone Soup, gather these essential ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, diced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup kale, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) Each ingredient plays an important role in this soup. Olive oil adds richness. Onions, carrots, and celery form a flavorful base. Garlic gives a lovely aroma. Butternut squash and zucchini bring sweetness and creaminess. Green beans offer a nice crunch. The canned tomatoes add acidity and depth. Vegetable broth makes the soup hearty. Cannellini beans boost protein and fiber. Kale adds color and nutrition. Thyme and oregano enhance the overall flavor. Finally, salt and pepper balance it all. Feel free to check the [Full Recipe] for cooking steps and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort! - Sautéing the Aromatics Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the veggies soften and the onion turns clear. This brings out their sweet flavor. - Cooking the Vegetables Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Then, toss in 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed, along with 1 cup of green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring often. Lastly, mix in 1 diced zucchini and cook for 3 more minutes. This step builds the soup's rich base and color. - Incorporating Tomatoes and Broth Now, add 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes, with their juices, and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well to mix everything together. - Stirring in the Beans Add 1 can (15 oz) of drained and rinsed cannellini beans. These beans add protein and creaminess. Stir again until blended. You’ll start to see the soup come to life. - Cooking the Kale Just before serving, add 1 cup of chopped kale. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the kale wilts down. This adds a nice color and boosts nutrition. - Seasoning and Serving Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the hot minestrone soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. This final touch gives your soup a burst of flavor. For the complete recipe, visit the Full Recipe section. Choosing Seasonal Ingredients When making minestrone soup, I love to use fresh, seasonal ingredients. This soup shines with bright colors and flavors. Look for squash, kale, and fresh herbs in autumn. They add depth and taste to your dish. Using local produce supports farmers too. Cooking Techniques for Best Flavor Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil. This mix forms a flavor base, known as a mirepoix. Stir them until soft and fragrant. Next, add garlic, which gives a warm aroma. Then, layer in your veggies, cooking them in stages. This way, each ingredient keeps its own taste. Best Accompaniments for Autumn Minestrone Soup Serve your soup with crusty bread. A slice of sourdough or a warm baguette pairs well. Consider a light salad for a fresh touch. You might also add a sprinkle of cheese on top. Grated Parmesan adds a nice finish. Plating and Presentation Tips For a beautiful presentation, use wide bowls. Ladle in the soup and garnish with fresh basil. This pop of green looks lovely against the warm soup. If you use cheese, place it on top right before serving for added flair. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on making this comforting dish! {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients in your Autumn Minestrone Soup to fit your needs. For those with dietary restrictions, here are some tips: - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or omit pasta entirely. - Dairy-Free: Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free option. For added protein, consider these options: - Beans: Use black beans or kidney beans instead of cannellini beans. - Meat: Add diced chicken or turkey for a heartier soup. To make your soup even tastier, try adding herbs and spices. Here are some ideas: - Fresh Herbs: Add fresh parsley or thyme for a bright taste. - Spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. You can also customize your soup by using different vegetables. Here are some tasty options: - Root Vegetables: Try parsnips or sweet potatoes for sweetness. - Leafy Greens: Swap kale with spinach or Swiss chard for variety. Feel free to explore these variations to make your Autumn Minestrone Soup your own. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! To enjoy your leftover minestrone soup, follow these best practices. First, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it on low to medium heat. Stir often to prevent it from sticking. You want to warm it evenly. Aim for a temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. To keep the flavor and texture, avoid boiling. Boiling can break down the vegetables and make them mushy. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water. This will help restore its creamy consistency. How do you freeze autumn minestrone soup? Start by letting the soup cool completely. Once cooled, use airtight containers or freezer bags. Portion the soup into individual servings for easy meals later. Label each container with the date. This will help you track freshness. Place the soup in the freezer, where it will last up to three months. When it's time to use the frozen soup, thawing is easy. You can place the container in the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, use the microwave on the defrost setting. Always stir well after thawing to mix any separated ingredients. How do I make vegetarian or vegan minestrone soup? To make vegetarian or vegan minestrone soup, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The recipe already includes many veggies and beans, making it hearty. You can skip the Parmesan cheese garnish or use a plant-based option. This way, you keep all the flavors while making it suitable for everyone. Can I add pasta to my minestrone soup? Yes, you can add pasta to your minestrone soup. I recommend small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Add the pasta when the soup is simmering. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. This will make your soup even more filling and comforting! Caloric content and nutrient breakdown A serving of autumn minestrone soup has about 200-250 calories. It contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the fresh vegetables and beans. Each bowl is packed with nutrients that support your health. Health benefits of the ingredients The ingredients in this soup offer many health benefits: - Vegetables: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K. They boost your immune system. - Beans: High in protein and fiber, they help keep you full. - Kale: Full of antioxidants, it supports heart health. - Olive oil: Contains healthy fats that promote good cholesterol. Enjoy this soup not just for its taste but also for its health perks! For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. Autumn Minestrone Soup is a hearty, healthy meal. We explored essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Choosing seasonal produce boosts flavor and nutrition. You can customize and adapt this soup to fit your needs. Leftovers heat up well, and freezing is simple too. Embrace this recipe as a cozy treat in cooler months. Enjoy crafting your perfect bowl of minestrone!](https://pagosarecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/5718cf3c-0202-4720-a074-5c2be3d52bd3-250x250.webp)