Minestrone soup is a delicious and hearty meal that can be served for lunch or dinner. It's also a great way to get your family to eat their vegetables! The best part about this soup is that you can customize it to your taste by adding different vegetables, herbs, and spices. Plus, you can serve it with a variety of sides to make it even more flavorful. Here's what to serve with minestrone soup for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Minestrone Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup uncooked small pasta
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and vegetable broth. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the pasta. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
What to Serve with Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is so flavorful on its own, but there are a few sides that can take it to the next level. Here are some of our favorite accompaniments to serve with minestrone soup:
Garlic Bread
Nothing goes better with soup than a big slice of warm, garlicky bread. Toast up a loaf of your favorite French or Italian bread and brush it with garlic-infused butter for an extra dose of flavor. Your family will love it!
Salad
A simple side salad is the perfect way to add some freshness to the meal. Try mixing together some romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers with your favorite vinaigrette. You can also add some croutons and cheese if you'd like.
Cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese is a must for minestrone soup. But why not try adding some other cheeses to the mix? Shaved Asiago and Pecorino Romano are both delicious options. Or try sprinkling some shredded mozzarella on top for a cheesy twist.
Crackers
Crackers are a great way to add some crunch to the meal. Try serving some plain crackers or flavored crackers such as garlic or herb. You can also try adding some chopped nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.
People Also Ask
Can I make minestrone soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make minestrone soup ahead of time. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What else can I add to minestrone soup?
You can add a variety of ingredients to minestrone soup to customize it to your taste. Some popular additions include zucchini, spinach, potatoes, squash, and even some cooked chicken or sausage.
Can I freeze minestrone soup?
Yes, you can freeze minestrone soup. Just make sure to let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
