Quick Minestrone Soup
I cook this every winter. I've made it as an small entree when I have dinner parties or a main meal for the family. I often get comments about how yummy it is and how filling it is. I leave out the prosciutto as I only eat poultry and seafood. This recipe comes from a book called 'Quick Meals' - The good taste collection, Volume 3 by Anneka Manning
Total time
45 min
Servings
4
Calories
431.1
Category
Beans
Warm up your winter evenings with this hearty and vibrant Quick Minestrone Soup, a classic Italian-inspired dish that comes together in just 45 minutes. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and protein-rich borlotti beans, this soup is a wholesome and satisfying meal for the whole family. The subtle saltiness of prosciutto adds depth, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese brings a delightful finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe proves that a comforting, homemade soup doesn't have to take hours to prepare.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings
- 2 olive oil
- 1 prosciutto
- 150 potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 2 zucchini
- 2 celery ribs
- 2 diced tomatoes
- 1 macaroni
- 6 borlotti beans
- 55 flat leaf parsley
- 1 parmesan cheese
Method
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and prociutto, and cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until the onion softens and is light golden. Add the potatoes, carrots, zucchini and celery, and cook stirring for 1 minute.
Stir in the tomatoes and stock, increase heat to high and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in the pasta and simmer, uncovered, for a further 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
Stir in the beans, parsley, salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered, for 1-2 minutes or until the beans are heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into serving bowls, sprinkle with the parmesan and serve with the crusty bread.
VARIATION:
Kidney beans and vegetable soup: Replace the prosciutto with 3 bacon rashers. Add 45 grams finely shredded cabbage to the mixture with the tomatoes and stock. Replace the borlotti beans with 1 x 425 grams can red kidney beans. Omit the parmesan and top each bowl of soup with 1 teaspoon prepared pesto.
Cook's notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable or chicken stock instead of water with bouillon cubes.
- Cut the potatoes and carrots into small, uniform dice so they cook evenly and quickly.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few of the beans before adding them to the pot.
- Feel free to swap in any pasta you have on hand—small shells, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti work well.
- To make it vegetarian, simply omit the prosciutto and use vegetable stock; you can add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a similar smoky note.
Easy swaps
- Instead of prosciutto, use 3 bacon rashers (as in variation) or 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian option
- Instead of borlotti beans, use 1 can (425g) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- Instead of macaroni, use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells
- Instead of flat leaf parsley, use fresh basil or a mix of herbs like thyme and oregano
- Instead of parmesan cheese, use pecorino romano or a dairy-free nutritional yeast for a vegan option
Frequently asked
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup up to 2 days ahead, but consider adding the pasta just before serving to keep it al dente. Or, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl when serving.
Is this minestrone soup gluten-free?
The recipe uses macaroni, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta or substitute with cooked quinoa or rice.
What can I use instead of prosciutto?
For a non-pork option, try chopped smoked turkey or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. You can also use a teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! This soup is versatile. Add chopped cabbage, spinach, green beans, or peas. Just adjust the cooking time so harder vegetables are added earlier.
How do I make it more filling?
Serve with crusty bread or add extra beans and pasta. You can also stir in a spoonful of cooked rice or barley for extra heartiness.
