Chunky minestrone
Chunky Minestrone is a hearty soup filled with vegetables, beans, and rice, simmered in a rich chicken broth. This comforting dish is perfect for any time of the year, offering a burst of savory flavors with each spoonful.
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil1.50 cups onion
1 carrot
2 garlic cloves
3 cup chicken broth
2 cans canned tomatoes
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup white rice
4 cups spinach
2 cups kidney beans
1 zucchini
1/4 tsp white pepper
1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Chunky Minestrone is a hearty and delicious soup that's packed with vegetables, beans, and a touch of rice for added texture. It's a wonderful meal for any time of the year, but especially comforting during colder months. Whether serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this soup is sure to please your taste buds with its rich and savory flavors.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Dice the carrot.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Roughly chop the spinach.
- Drain and rinse the kidney beans.
- Dice the zucchini.
2. Cook Aromatics:
- In a large pot over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onion and diced carrot.
- Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the carrot starts to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
3. Add Liquids and Tomatoes:
- Pour in the 3 cups of chicken broth, 2 cans of canned tomatoes with their juice, and 3/4 cup of water.
- Stir to combine the ingredients.
4. Add Rice:
- Add 1/2 cup of white rice to the pot.
- Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
- Add the spinach, kidney beans, and zucchini to the pot.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
7. Season:
- Add 1/4 tsp of white pepper.
- Stir again to incorporate the seasoning.
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
9. Serve:
- Ladle the chunky minestrone into bowls.
- Sprinkle each serving with 1 tbsp of grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or enjoy as is!
Enjoy your warm and satisfying bowl of Chunky Minestrone! Not only is this soup comforting and delicious, but it's also packed with nutritious ingredients that keep you feeling full and energized. Share it with family and friends, and savor the blend of flavors in every spoonful.
Chunky minestrone FAQ:
The total cooking time for chunky minestrone is approximately 40-50 minutes. This includes prepping the vegetables (about 10 minutes) and simmering the soup after adding the rice and vegetables (about 30-35 minutes).
The white rice is cooked when it becomes tender and has absorbed the liquid, typically taking about 15-20 minutes of simmering. You can taste a few grains to check for doneness.
Yes, you can store leftover chunky minestrone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be aware that the texture of the vegetables may change upon thawing.
You can substitute white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or pasta, but note that cooking times will vary. If using brown rice, increase the simmer time by approximately 10-15 minutes. For pasta, add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes work best for chunky minestrone. If you prefer a smoother texture, crushed tomatoes are a great choice, while diced tomatoes will provide more texture and chunks in the final soup.
Tips:
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, slightly mash some of the beans or add a bit more rice.
- Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer taste.
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread to make the meal even more filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition per serving
5 ServingsCalories 260kcal
Protein 15g
Carbohydrates 50g
Fiber 10g
Sugar 7g
Fat 4.12g
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