📖 Instructions

1. Gather Your Ingredients: Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go. This includes chopping the vegetables, measuring out the pasta, and having the broth within easy reach. Nothing worse than realizing halfway through that you forgot something!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavor of the soup.
3. Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Burnt garlic will ruin your soup, trust me, I've been there.
4. Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where all the flavor is!
5. Season and Simmer: Add dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the soup. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I usually let it simmer as long as I can because I'm doing other chores around the house anyways.
6. Add Additional Vegetables: Add the diced zucchini, green beans, and any other vegetables you're using (like spinach or kale) to the soup. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. I like my veggies to still have a little bite to them.
7. Cook Pasta Separately (Important!): While the soup is simmering with the additional veggies, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Overcooking the pasta will lead to mushiness, which we definitely want to avoid.
8. Combine Pasta and Soup: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and add it to the pot with the soup. Stir to combine.
9. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste. A little squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors. Make sure your doing this while the soups warm for best results.
10. Serve: Ladle the minestrone soup into bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (if desired), and a few fresh basil leaves. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!
11. Extra Tip: For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth or add a Parmesan cheese rind while simmering the soup (remove before serving).