Imagine a delicious bowl of Hearty Minestrone Soup with Fresh Arugula filled with a variety of colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta, all immersed in a tasty tomato broth. What makes this minestrone special is the addition of fresh arugula, which adds a peppery flavor and a burst of green goodness to every bite.
The arugula's slight bitterness perfectly complements the rich flavors of the soup, creating a wonderful balance that delights your taste buds. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that nourishes and revitalizes you. With each mouthful, you'll be transported to a cozy kitchen, savoring the simple pleasures of a homemade minestrone enhanced by the vibrant presence of fresh arugula.
You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your palate.
As you continue to enjoy the minestrone, you can't help but appreciate the depth of flavors that unfold with each spoonful. The combination of tender pasta, plump beans, and vibrant vegetables creates a harmonious medley of textures and tastes. The tomato broth, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, adds a comforting warmth to the dish. Adding fresh arugula not only adds a pop of color but also brings a refreshing crispness to the overall experience.
The beauty of this minestrone lies in its versatility. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your palate. Whether you prefer a heartier version with chunks of potatoes and carrots or a lighter rendition with zucchini and spinach, the minestrone provides a canvas for culinary creativity.
This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50-55 minutes
Serves: 6-8
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- You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your palate.
- Ingredients needed to make Hearty Minestrone Soup with Fresh Arugula
- How to make Hearty Minestrone Soup with Fresh Arugula
- Variations on the Hearty Minestrone Soup with Fresh Arugula recipe
- Equipment used when making Hearty Minestrone Soup with Fresh Arugula
- Storage for the Hearty Minestrone Soup with Fresh Arugula
- Top tip
- Related
- Pairing
- Hearty Minestrone Soup with Fresh Arugula
Ingredients needed to make Hearty Minestrone Soup with Fresh Arugula
- 3 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided
2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 medium carrots, finely chopped
3 large stalks celery, finely chopped
1 28-oz. can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1 15.5 oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
4 c. organic vegetable broth*
2 whole bay leaves - 1 T. fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped (or 1 t. dried)1 T. fresh thyme leaves (or 1 t. dried)
1 T. fresh oregano leaves (or 1 t. dried)
½ T. crushed red pepper flakes
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 3” Parmesan cheese rind
2 c. Fusilli pasta
2 c. fresh green beans, cut into ½” pieces
2 c. fresh arugula
Optional Garnish:
¼ c. fresh parsley leaves, choppedFreshly grated Parmesan cheese
* Use additional vegetable broth to reach desired consistency, if needed
How to make Hearty Minestrone Soup with Fresh Arugula
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or just until garlic starts to turn golden brown.
- Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery and cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until vegetables are soft and tender.
- Add diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, 4 cups vegetable broth, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes to pot and stir to combine. Add Parmesan cheese rind, if desired, and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 20-25 minutes.
- While soup is simmering, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid before draining pasta. Rinse pasta and transfer to a medium bowl and toss with remaining olive oil. Cover and set aside.
- Remove the cover from the pot or Dutch oven and add green beans and the reserved pasta cooking liquid. Stir to combine and continue cooking, uncovered, another 20-25 minutes or until green beans are crisp and tender.
- Add arugula and vegetable broth, if needed, and stir to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until arugula begins to wilt.
- To serve, divide cooked pasta among serving bowls and top with hot soup. Top with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with crusty bread and/or a crisp, green side salad for a hearty meal. Enjoy!
Variations on the Hearty Minestrone Soup with Fresh Arugula recipe
- Pesto Swirl Delight: Enhance your minestrone by swirling in a generous spoonful of basil pesto just before serving. The fragrant basil and garlic will mingle with the arugula, creating a flavor symphony that takes your soup to the next level.
- Zesty Lemon Twist: Brighten things up with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The citrusy zing adds a refreshing kick, balancing the richness of the minestrone and accentuating the peppery notes of the arugula.
- Parmesan Parmesan Everywhere: Shower your bowl with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The salty, nutty undertones of Parmesan elevate the soup's savory profile, making it a cheesy delight.
- Pumpkin Power: Embrace the fall vibes by stirring in some pumpkin puree. The subtle sweetness and velvety texture complement the arugula, giving your minestrone a cozy autumn touch.
- Quinoa Quirkiness: Swap out traditional pasta for cooked quinoa. This not only adds a protein boost but also brings a delightful chewiness to the soup that pairs wonderfully with the arugula's crispness.
- Cannellini Creaminess: Amp up the creaminess by blending a cup of cannellini beans into the broth. This creates a luscious texture, and the mild flavor of the beans plays well with the arugula's peppery notes.
- Sundried Tomato Tango: Dice up some sundried tomatoes and toss them into the mix. Their concentrated sweetness and tangy kick provide a burst of flavor that complements the freshness of the arugula.
- Spicy Sausage Sensation: Brown some spicy Italian sausage and add it to the minestrone. The bold flavors of the sausage mingle with the arugula, creating a hearty, satisfying soup with a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Magic: Sauté a mix of wild mushrooms and fold them into the minestrone. The earthy, umami-rich mushrooms add depth to the soup, creating a symphony of flavors with the arugula.
- Crispy Bacon Bliss: Crisp up some bacon bits and sprinkle them on top just before serving. The smoky, salty crunch of bacon contrasts beautifully with the freshness of the arugula, turning your minestrone into a savory masterpiece.
Equipment used when making Hearty Minestrone Soup with Fresh Arugula
Storage for the Hearty Minestrone Soup with Fresh Arugula
The storage time for Minestrone Soup with Fresh Arugula in the fridge depends on various factors, including the specific ingredients used and how the soup was prepared. Generally, homemade soups can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
If your Minestrone Soup contains ingredients that perish quickly, such as fresh vegetables or dairy, it's essential to consume it within a shorter timeframe. Always use your judgment and check for any signs of spoilage, such as off odors or changes in color or texture.
Remember to cool the soup before refrigerating or freezing it, and divide it into smaller portions for faster cooling and easier reheating. Additionally, label the containers with the date to help keep track of freshness.
Top tip
- Build Flavor in Layers: Take your time with the sautéing process. Let those onions and garlic sweat it out in olive oil until they're golden brown. This sets the flavor foundation for a killer minestrone.
- Embrace the Odd Veggies: Don't be shy to toss in that odd zucchini or parsnip lying around. Minestrone is the perfect excuse to rescue forgotten veggies from the crisper.
- Don't Rush the Broth: Simmering is your soup's best friend. Let the broth mingle with the veggies, beans, and herbs over low heat. This slow dance develops the richness you're aiming for.
- Mind Your Greens: Add the arugula at the end. We want it to be fresh and lively, not wilted and sad. Toss it in just before serving, and let it brighten up the whole pot.
- Pasta Pitfall Prevention: If you're adding pasta, consider cooking it separately. This way, you avoid a mushy mess if you have leftovers. Nobody likes a soggy noodle!
- Taste and Adjust: Seasoning is an art. Taste your minestrone as it simmers and adjust accordingly. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper is all it takes to elevate your masterpiece.
- Leftover Remix: Minestrone gets better with time. Embrace the leftovers; they make a killer next-day lunch. The flavors continue to meld, creating a soup that's practically a culinary symphony.
- Freeze for Future Feasts: Minestrone is a champ in the freezer. Portion it out, let it cool, and freeze in containers. A homemade, hearty meal is just a defrost away on those busy days.
- Fresh Herbs FTW: If you have them, use fresh herbs. Basil and parsley add a pop of brightness that dried herbs can't quite match. Fresh is like the finishing touch that ties the whole soup together.
- Experiment and Enjoy: Don't be afraid to get creative. Minestrone is forgiving, so if you're out of one veggie, substitute with another. Enjoy the process, and savor the delicious results.
Related
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Pairing
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Hearty Minestrone Soup with Fresh Arugula
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 -8 servings
Description
Imagine a delicious bowl of minestrone soup, filled with a variety of colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta, all immersed in a tasty tomato broth. What makes this minestrone special is the addition of fresh arugula, which adds a peppery flavor and a burst of green goodness to every bite.
Ingredients
3 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided
2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 medium carrots, finely chopped
3 large stalks celery, finely chopped
1 28-oz. can petite-diced tomatoes, undrained
1 15.5 oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
4 c. organic vegetable broth*
2 whole bay leaves
1 T. fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped (or 1 t. dried)
1 T. fresh thyme leaves (or 1 t. dried)
1 T. fresh oregano leaves (or 1 t. dried)
½ T. crushed red pepper flakes
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 3” Parmesan cheese rind
2 c. Fusilli pasta
2 c. fresh green beans, cut into ½” pieces
2 c. fresh arugula
Optional Garnish:
¼ c. fresh parsley leaves, chopped
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
* Use additional vegetable broth to reach desired consistency, if needed
Instructions
-
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or just until garlic starts to turn golden brown.
-
Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery and cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until vegetables are soft and tender.
-
Add diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, 4 cups vegetable broth, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes to pot and stir to combine. Add Parmesan cheese rind, if desired, and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 20-25 minutes.
-
While soup is simmering, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid before draining pasta. Rinse pasta and transfer to a medium bowl and toss with remaining olive oil. Cover and set aside.
-
Remove cover from pot or Dutch oven and add green beans and the reserved pasta cooking liquid. Stir to combine and continue cooking, uncovered, another 20-25 minutes or until green beans are crisp tender.
-
Add arugula and additional vegetable broth, if needed, and stir to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until arugula begins to wilt.
-
To serve, divide cooked pasta among individual serving bowls and top with hot soup. Top with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with crusty bread and/or a crisp, green side salad for a hearty meal. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 - 55 minutes
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