Best 2 Meatless Minestrone Recipes

Are you striving for a wholesome and hearty meal that is not only bursting with flavor but also packed with an array of wholesome ingredients while staying true to your meatless lifestyle? Look no further than the classic Italian dish, minestrone! This versatile soup has a long-standing reputation for showcasing the beauty of seasonal vegetables, fragrant herbs, and tender pasta swimming in a rich and savory broth. Whether you're a seasoned cook or embarking on your culinary adventure, join us as we explore the irresistible world of meatless minestrone and uncover the secrets behind creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HEARTY MEATLESS MINESTRONE

Hearty Meatless Minestrone image

A friend gave me this quick, healthy recipe, and it's oh-so-tasty. It makes a big batch and is great for leftovers. To enhance the flavor, add a pound or two of sweet Italian sausage. -Mickey Turner, Grants Pass, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 servings (3 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 21

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 cup chopped cabbage
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium zucchini, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
3-1/2 cups water
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
3 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup small pasta shells
Fresh basil leaves and shaved Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, saute onion in oil for 2 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, cabbage, green pepper, zucchini and garlic; saute 3 minutes longer. Stir in the water, tomatoes, beans, tomato puree, tomato sauce and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes., Stir in pasta; cook 12-15 minutes longer or until tender. Garnish each serving with basil and cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 191 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 664mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MEATLESS MINESTRONE

Meatless Minestrone image

This recipe for traditional Italian soup may have quite a few ingredients, but it couldn't be easier to prepare. Plus it's packed with flavor and nutrition.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 1h20m

Yield 9 servings (2-1/4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
3/4 cup sliced celery
2 medium carrots, sliced
3 tablespoons butter
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups water
4 cups shredded cabbage
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried basil
2-1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup cooked rice

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, saute the onion, celery and carrots in butter until vegetables are tender. Add the tomatoes, broth, water, cabbage, potato and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour. Stir in beans and rice; heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 166 calories, Fat 6g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 87mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

Use a variety of vegetables. This will give your minestrone a more complex flavor and texture. Some good options include carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, green beans, and tomatoes.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, and garlic are all classic minestrone ingredients, but you can also try adding other herbs and spices that you like, such as rosemary, thyme, or chili powder.
Use a good quality broth. The broth is the base of your minestrone, so it's important to use a good quality broth that has a lot of flavor. You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even beef broth if you prefer.
Simmer your minestrone for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop. You can also simmer it for longer if you want a more intense flavor.
Serve your minestrone with a side of crusty bread or a salad. This will help to round out the meal and make it more satisfying.

Conclusion:

Minestrone is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. With its variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices, minestrone is a soup that everyone will enjoy.