The Easiest Vegetarian Minestrone Soup (Classic Flavors) (2024)

This Vegetarian Minestrone Soup is a classic Italian dish that’s comforting, nutritious, and packed with hearty, wholesome ingredients like leeks, beans, and potatoes. It creates a satisfying and balanced meal that’s perfect for chilly winter days with some crusty bread.

If you love this hearty recipe, make sure to also try my vegan Spring Minestrone.

With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, it is a true celebration of seasonal produce. The combination of aromatic herbs and spices creates a combination of flavors that are not only nutritious, but also incredibly delicious.

Whether you are a vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is a wonderful option. This cozy vegetable soup is the perfect way to warm you from the inside and out.

What’s best is that this soup is also super healthy. If you've ever heard about Longevity Diet or Blue Zones Diet, then you probably know that plant-based recipes are one of the major keys to a long and healthy life. And this soup encapsulates that perfectly!

Plus, the process of making this soup is straightforward, allowing you to easily whip up a delicious and wholesome meal in no time. I’m sure you’re going to love it!

Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious vegetarian minestrone soup recipe today!

What is Vegetarian Minestrone Soup?

Vegetarian minestrone soup is a hearty and nutritious Italian soup made with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta. It is typically flavored with herbs and spices and sometimes includes a tomato base.

One of the best things about vegetarian minestrone soup is that it is packed with nutrients from the abundance of vegetables.

It provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are essential for a healthy diet. The combination of vegetables, beans, and pasta also makes it a satisfying meal option.

Another benefit of vegetarian minestrone soup is that it is versatile and can be easily customized to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.

It can be made with different types of vegetables, beans, and pasta, allowing for a variety of flavors and textures. Plus, it can be easily adapted to be vegan or gluten-free, depending on the ingredients used.

The hearty leeks Minestrone soup has a wonderful vegetable flavor and is healthy and clean. Perfect for detoxing and also for those of you who follow a vegan diet. If you want to make this old-fashioned bean soup even more low-fat, skip the olive oil and sauté the veggies in a bit of vegetable broth.

What’s best is that this is one of the recipes that the longest-living people in Sardinia, Italy, swear by! It’s truly the perfect combination of hearty ingredients and delicious flavors that you’ll absolutely love.

Why This Is The Best Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe

Delicious: One of my favorite things about this soup is how delicious it is! Unlike any other soup, you don’t need to add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle any parmesan cheese to make it taste good!

Versatile: This recipe can be easily customized to include any vegetables you have on hand, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences and restrictions.

Healthy: Packed with a variety of vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, this soup is a nutritious and filling option for vegetarians and vegans. It’s perfect for weekly meal prep!

Flavorful: The combination of herbs, spices, and vegetable broth creates a delicious and savory base for this soup, making it incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

Easy to make: With simple instructions and readily available ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in under an hour.

Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re serving it to a group of friends or enjoying it alone, this vegetarian minestrone soup is sure to impress with its hearty texture and rich taste.

Kid-friendly: My kids are generally picky eaters, especially my youngest daughter. But this hearty minestrone soup is something even they absolutely love! Trust me, it’s perfectly kid-friendly!

What You Need to Make Vegetarian Minestrone Soup At Home

All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious vegetarian minestrone soup recipe at home.

Vegetables for Minestrone Soup:

Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

Chopped celery: We will be using chopped celery to make this recipe. The celery will add a crunchy texture and a subtle earthy flavor to the dish.

Leek: Remember to add leek. The leek will provide a mild onion-like flavor and add a delicate sweetness to the overall taste of the dish.

Fennel: The fennel will bring a unique licorice-like flavor and a slight crunch to the dish.

Carrots: Next, we will prepare to use some carrots to the recipe.The carrots will add a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.

Potatoes: The potatoes will add a comforting and creamy texture to the dish, making it more filling.

Beans for Minestrone Soup:

Garbanzo beans: The garbanzo beans will provide a creamy texture and a nutty flavor to the dish.

Pinto beans: We will also be adding some pinto beans. The pinto beans will add a hearty and earthy flavor to the dish.

Other Ingredients for Minestrone Soup:

Minced garlic: Remember to add in some minced garlic. The garlic will infuse the dish with a rich and aromatic flavor.

Rosemary: The rosemary will add a fragrant and pine-like flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.

Tomato paste: We will also be using tomato paste. The paste will provide a deep and savory flavor, giving the dish a rich and robust taste.

Israeli couscous or Fregola: The Israeli couscous or Fregola will add a chewy and pasta-like texture to the dish. You can also use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.

Vegetable broth: We will be needing vegetable broth to make this recipe.The broth will infuse the dish with a savory and aromatic flavor, enhancing its overall taste.

Olive oil: The olive oil will provide richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor.

Salt: Remember to add some salt. The salt will enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients and balance the dish’s taste.

Pepper: The pepper will add a subtle heat and a touch of spiciness to the dish, elevating its flavor.

Parsley (for serving): The parsley will add a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish, enhancing its presentation and making it more delicious.

How to Make Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Step by Step

Making this incredible vegetarian minestrone soup recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:

1. Cut off the root end of the leek. Then thinly slice the remaining pale green part of leek into rings and discard the root end.
2. Trim off the fennel stalks and the root end. Cut fennel bulb in half and discard tough outer layers. Slice the remaining fennel crosswise.

3. Heat olive oil in a large pot and over medium heat. Add leeks, celery, carrots and ½ teaspoon of salt and and sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are soft.

4. Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 more seconds. Add in fennel, potatoes, both types of beans, rosemary.

5. Dilute tomato paste in 1 cup of broth and add it into a pot.
6. Add 6 cups of broth, 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of pepper, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
7. Stir in couscous and cook soup for 10 more minutes or until couscous is soft. If the soup gets too thick, you can add an additional 1 cup of broth.
8. Adjust the seasoning, turn off the heat and serve with the sprinkling of fresh parsley.

Tips For Making the Best Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Every Single Time

Prep the vegetables ahead of time: Chop all the vegetables and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This will save you time and make the cooking process smoother.

Use vegetable broth instead of water: Vegetable broth will add flavor to the soup and enhance the overall taste. You can use store-bought vegetable broth or make your own by simmering vegetables, herbs, and spices in water.

Add the pasta towards the end: To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, add it to the soup during the last 10–12 minutes of cooking. This will make sure that it is cooked al dente and retains its texture.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed: Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors of the soup and lends a refreshing touch. It balances the richness of the vegetables and enhances the overall taste.

Serving Suggestions

This soup absolutely tastes perfect on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to help you customize how you enjoy it at home:

• Serve the vegan minestrone soup in a bowl with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. The bread can be used to soak up the flavorful broth and add a bit of texture to each bite.
• Top the soup with a sprinkle of vegan or regular grated parmesan cheese for an extra touch of richness and flavor. The cheese will melt into the hot soup and create a creamy and savory addition.
• Add a dollop of pesto on top of each serving for a burst of fresh and vibrant flavor. The pesto can be swirled into the soup or used as a dipping sauce for the bread.
• Serve the soup alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The fresh and crisp salad will provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty and comforting soup.
• For a heartier meal, serve with a side of cooked pasta or grains such as quinoa or couscous. This will add an extra element of texture and make the soup more delicious and satisfying.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Vegetarian Minestrone Soup

This delicious vegetarian minestrone soup recipe is so flavorful and easy to make, you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:

Spicy: Add a kick to your minestrone by adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno pepper. This variation adds a spicy twist to the traditional recipe, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their soup.

Mediterranean: Give your minestrone a Mediterranean flair by adding some kalamata olives, diced artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. This adds a tangy and salty element to the soup, reminiscent of flavors found in Mediterranean cuisine.

Curried: Add some warm and aromatic spices like curry powder, cumin, and turmeric to your minestrone for a great twist. This adds a hint of exotic flavors and makes the soup delicious and comforting.

Asian-Inspired: Incorporate some Asian flavors by adding soy sauce, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar to your minestrone. This adds a depth of umami and tanginess to the soup, creating a unique fusion of Italian and Asian cuisines.

Cheesy: Make your minestrone extra comforting and creamy by adding a handful of shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese. This gives a rich and cheesy flavor to the soup, making it even more satisfying on a chilly day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftover Vegetarian Minestrone Soup

To store leftovers of this vegetarian minestrone soup recipe, first let the soup cool completely. Then, transfer the soup to an airtight container or individual portion-sized containers. Place the container(s) in the refrigerator and store for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat Minestrone in the microwave or in the medium pot until it simmers. Please keep in mind, that since couscous (or pasta) tends to expand in soup, I recommend adding a ½ -1 cup of broth to dilute the soup.

Vegan soups with potatoes or pasta don't freeze well. The potatoes will sponge up moisture, and will likely to become grainy when defrosted. It is best to consume the leftovers within a few days or share with friends and family instead of storing it in the freezer.

If you make this recipe, please leave me a comment below and rate it. I always appreciate the feedback. Also, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

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