Description
Hearty Minestrone Soup is a comforting and nourishing meal packed with fresh vegetables, smoked turkey bacon, and rich plant-based flavors. This soup offers a delightful blend of textures and colors that creates a savory experience perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s simple to prepare, versatile, and a delicious way to enjoy wholesome ingredients in a warm, satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup small pasta shells
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics and smoked turkey bacon: Heat olive oil (natural) in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced smoked turkey bacon and sauté until it releases its smoky aroma and turns lightly crispy. Then add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables soften and onions become translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and zucchini: Add minced garlic and diced zucchini to the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until garlic blooms and zucchini softens without losing shape.
- Pour in broth and tomatoes: Add vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes including juices. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil, allowing the soup to develop a rich aroma and color.
- Add beans, pasta, and seasoning: Stir in kidney beans, small pasta shells, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, and black pepper. Cover and simmer until pasta is al dente and flavors meld, about 10-15 minutes.
- Finish with greens and natural gelling agent: Stir in fresh spinach and sprinkle in the natural gelling agent to give the soup a slightly creamy texture. Cook for another 2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Garnish and serve: Turn off heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley. Ladle soup into bowls and serve warm, optionally garnished with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil (natural).
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables for maximum flavor and nutrients.
- Toast smoked turkey bacon first to unlock deep smoky notes.
- Add pasta towards the end to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
- Adjust broth amount for preferred soup thickness.
- Let soup rest for 10 minutes after cooking for better flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: minestrone, vegetable soup, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based, comforting soup, nutritious, weeknight dinner
