Description
Hearty Minestrone Soup is a comforting and nourishing classic soup that combines the smoky richness of turkey with fresh seasonal vegetables, herbs, and pasta. This vibrant and wholesome dish offers a balanced meal rich in vitamins, fiber, and protein, perfect for any season and enjoyed by all ages. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it delivers layered, robust flavors and a satisfying texture in every bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Legumes
- 1 cup smoked turkey, cut into small chunks
- 1 cup cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
Liquids and Broth
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Carbohydrates and Thickener
- 1 cup pasta shells or ditalini
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Dice the fresh tomatoes and trim the green beans and zucchini into bite-sized pieces. Set aside smoked turkey in small chunks to add later.
- Sauté the base vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavor for the soup, making it deeply aromatic.
- Add smoked turkey and the broth: Stir in the smoked turkey pieces and cook for a few minutes to warm through. Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the diced tomatoes and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Let it simmer gently, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Introduce veggies and beans: Add the green beans, zucchini, and cannellini beans. Continue simmering until all the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. This step ensures every bite has a mix of textures and fresh tastes.
- Cook the pasta and finish with herbs: Stir in the pasta shells or ditalini along with a pinch of natural gelling agent to slightly thicken the broth. Cook until the pasta is al dente. Just before serving, fold in fresh basil, thyme, and parsley to brighten the overall flavor.
Notes
- Use homemade vegetable broth to intensify the flavors more than store-bought options.
- Do not overcook vegetables to maintain their texture for a more enjoyable soup experience.
- Add pasta late to prevent it from becoming mushy if reheating later.
- Always add fresh herbs at the end to keep their vibrant flavor and color.
- Use pre-smoked turkey breast with moderate seasoning for the best balance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: minestrone soup, hearty soup, smoked turkey soup, vegetable soup, healthy soup, gluten free soup, plant-based herbs
