Vegetable Minestrone Soup from Sweet Tomatoes features a hearty blend of fresh carrots, celery, zucchini, beans, and pasta simmered in a savory tomato broth, delivering a colorful and comforting bowl rich in wholesome flavors.
Equipments
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Colander (for rinsing beans or draining pasta, if needed)
- Can opener (if using canned beans or tomatoes)
- Vegetable peeler
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 large carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans are key to achieving the authentic flavor and texture in this Vegetable Minestrone Soup from Sweet Tomatoes, so using fresh, high-quality produce will enhance your soup's taste. If fresh cannellini or kidney beans are unavailable, canned beans provide a convenient and effective substitute--just be sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly to reduce sodium content. The choice of small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni is crucial because they cook evenly and complement the hearty vegetables without overpowering the soup. Keep the seasoning balanced with a careful measure of dried oregano, basil, and thyme, as these herbs infuse the broth with classic Italian flavors. Your Vegetable Minestrone Soup copycat menu will capture the rich, comforting, and colorful essence that defines the Sweet Tomatoes original.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Peel and dice onion, carrots, and garlic.
- Chop celery and zucchini.
- Cut green beans into 1-inch pieces.
- Rinse and drain canned beans; set aside.
- Heat olive oil in large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic; sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in zucchini and green beans; cook 2-3 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes (with juices) and vegetable broth.
- Stir in oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring soup to a boil; reduce heat and let simmer 10 minutes.
- Add cannellini beans, kidney beans, and pasta.
- Simmer 10-12 minutes, or until pasta and veggies are tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach; cook 2 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) as needed.
- Ladle soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Vegetable Minestrone Soup from Sweet Tomatoes copycat is a versatile dish that easily adapts to what's on hand in your kitchen, allowing you to swap out vegetables like zucchini or green beans for seasonal alternatives such as squash or peas. You can substitute canned beans with cooked dried beans for a fresher taste, but adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure tenderness. If you prefer a gluten-free option, replace the traditional pasta with gluten-free varieties or omit it entirely, adding extra vegetables or beans to maintain heartiness. Use vegetable broth or even a light chicken broth to vary the base flavor according to your preference. Your grated Parmesan topping can be swapped with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly flavor boost.
Tips
Ensure to rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture. When sauteing onions, carrots, and celery, cook until softened but not browned to preserve their flavor and nutrients. Add pasta towards the end to prevent overcooking and maintain its firmness. Adjust the seasoning after adding beans and pasta since these ingredients can dilute the soup's flavor, ensuring your bowl is perfectly balanced.
Nutritions
Vegetable Minestrone Soup from Sweet Tomatoes provides a nutrient-dense meal packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, and plant-based protein from the combination of fresh vegetables and beans. The inclusion of cannellini and red kidney beans boosts iron and folate intake, supporting overall energy and cell function. Olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the vegetable broth keeps the soup low in calories but high in hydration. Your body benefits from antioxidants and minerals essential for immune health and digestion in every comforting bowl.
Storage
Store your Vegetable Minestrone Soup in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. It will stay good for up to 4 days in the fridge, or you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm the soup thoroughly on the stove or in the microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) to ensure safety and preserve flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap canned cannellini and kidney beans with cooked dried beans for a fresher texture and flavor. Replace small pasta shapes with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences. You can roast the vegetables before adding to enhance depth of flavor and bring out natural sweetness. If you prefer a chunkier soup, reduce broth slightly or add extra beans and vegetables to thicken the consistency.
Allergies
Vegetable Minestrone Soup from Sweet Tomatoes contains common allergens such as gluten from the pasta and potential dairy if you add grated Parmesan cheese. Cannellini and red kidney beans may cause allergic reactions in some individuals sensitive to legumes. Your best option is to check ingredient labels carefully and substitute or omit items if you have known allergies to legumes, gluten, or dairy.
Why this recipe?
Vegetable Minestrone Soup from Sweet Tomatoes restaurant is loved for its rich combination of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and flavorful broth that creates a comforting and nutritious meal. Its balanced mix of ingredients offers a delicious way to enjoy a healthy, low-calorie dish packed with vitamins and fiber. You'll appreciate how replicating this soup at home allows you to customize flavors and control freshness while saving money. This makes the copycat recipe a worthwhile culinary project for soup enthusiasts seeking both taste and wellness.