Winter Minestrone Soup is a hearty Italian classic that turns cold-weather vegetables into a warm, comforting meal. Unlike the lighter summer versions, this soup is thicker and richer, brimming with seasonal produce, beans, and pasta that make each spoonful satisfying. It’s the perfect dish for cozy evenings, when all you need is something nourishing that fills the kitchen with the smell of home.
The magic begins with a base of onions, carrots, and celery gently sautéed in olive oil until soft and fragrant. Then come the earthy winter vegetables: cubes of potatoes, parsnips, and chunks of cabbage or kale. Each adds its own character, creating layers of flavor as they simmer together. Garlic and tomato paste give depth, while diced tomatoes bring a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the vegetables.
One of the key ingredients in minestrone is the beans, often cannellini or borlotti, which make the soup creamy without needing any dairy. They also add protein, turning this into a meal that stands on its own. To give it extra body, small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni are added toward the end of cooking, absorbing the broth and thickening the texture naturally.
What truly makes Winter Minestrone so comforting is its adaptability. You can use whatever vegetables are in season or in your pantry. Sweet potatoes, leeks, or even leftover roasted vegetables blend beautifully into the mix. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme brings brightness, while a generous handful of grated Parmesan just before serving ties everything together with a nutty, salty finish.
Serve this soup piping hot with a slice of crusty soda bread to soak up the last drops of broth. A drizzle of good olive oil on top elevates the flavor even more. For a cozy winter evening, pair it with a glass of red wine and let the warmth of this rustic Italian dish chase away the chill. Winter Minestrone Soup is comfort in a bowl, simple and wholesome, reminding us that even the humblest ingredients can create something extraordinary.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 cup onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 cup kale diced
- 15 oz canned diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups vegetable broth low-sodium
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup kale chopped
- 15 oz canned cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup pasta small shells or ditalini
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the diced kale and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, and add the dried oregano and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped kale, cannellini beans, and pasta. Continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes until the pasta is cooked.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste before serving hot.
Nutrition
First time making minestrone. I feel like a chef now! Thanks!
The instructions were confusing. What does ‘to taste’ mean? I like flavor! 😤
I ain’t got no kale, what can I use instead? Lettuce maybe?
Not sure why everyone loves this. It’s just soup. 🤷♂️
Great comfort food for winter. Flavors blend well. Would recommend!
Tastes better the next day! I added some parmesan on top. Delicious!
Totally agree! I find it gets even more flavorful after it sits in the fridge overnight. Love the parmesan idea! 🧀
Really? I thought it would just get soggy. I haven’t tried adding cheese though, maybe I should.
I tried this recipe but it was too watery. Maybe less broth next time?
I had the same problem! I think cutting down the broth is a smart move. Also, try adding more pasta; it helps absorb some of the liquid too.
Less broth? Nah, I think it’s just the nature of the soup. Minestrone is supposed to be a bit soupy. Maybe try cooking it longer next time?
This soup is amazing! Perfect for winter nights. Will make again!
I tried this recipe last week and it was also really good! Perfect for cold nights! Thanks for sharing! 😊
Sounds nice, but isn’t minestrone usually made with different veggies? Like zuccini or green beans? Seems basic… 🤔
My kids loved this! I even added some chicken to it. Yum!