As part of the new year, I am trying to prepare more fruit and veggies for my family. This can be challenging in the winter when fresh fruits are harder to find. However, at this time of year, there is always an abundance of root vegetables at your markets. There is nothing like a big bowl of hearty soup on a cold winters day. I remember my grandmother just pulling things out of her pantry and fridge and creating these amazing soups in a pinch. Minestrone is such a wonderful dish and while this recipe does require some shopping before hand, it is well worth it and also I adapted it to be a gluten free soup recipe .
Don’t you just love one pot meals. You have everything you need for a hearty winter supper in one bowl. Plus this minestrone soup is just beaming with fresh vegetables that the kids won’t realize you are trying to sneak in some nutrition. We are not a gluten free family but I decided to try to get substitutes when I could find them. Let’s face it, the garlic bread slices I served on the side are the real thing, everything in moderation my grandmother would say.
Just look at this display of fresh veggies that go into this soup. I purchased pre-cut butternut squash b/c I was feeling lazy! I also decided to use some Italian or Dinasour Kale instead of Spinach.
The most unhealthy part of this recipe is the pancetta. And honestly, I really could not taste it so if you don’t like pancetta just use a little more olive oil.
You just add all the veggies and allow it to simmer away.
I used a gluten-free elbow macaroni but next time I would 1) use a smaller amount or 2)use a smaller sized pasta.
I prepared the minestrone soup earlier in the day and right before serving I boiled the pasta and added it then. Pasta tends to absorb all the broth in soups. This is also the time to add your pesto to the hearty soup recipe.
- Good olive oil
- 3 ounces pancetta, 1/2-inch-diced
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions
- 2 cups (1/2-inch-diced) carrots
- 2 cups (1/2-inch-diced) celery
- 2 1/2 cups (1/2-inch-diced) peeled butternut squash
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 (26-ounce) can diced tomatoes,
- 6 to 8 cups chicken stock, we used all 8 (2 boxes organic low sodium stock)
- 1 bay leaf
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups cooked small pasta, we used gluten free elbow macaroni
- 8 to 10 ounces fresh Kale trimmed or baby spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons store-bought pesto or homemade pesto
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven. Add the pancetta and cook over medium-low heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Add the onions, carrots, celery, squash, garlic, and thyme and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the tomatoes, 6 cups of the chicken stock, the bay leaf, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Add Kale after 15 minutes of cooking. After 30 minutes, discard the bay leaf. Add the beans and cooked pasta and heat through. You can add more chicken stock if too thick.
- Just before serving, reheat the soup, stir in pesto. (if using spinach only add it now) Season the soup for taste.
What is your favorite winter time soup recipe?
It is nice when you can control the sodium and amount of veggies in your own soup recipes.
I love soup! I can eat it year round, but it’s especially good in the winter. Chicken Noodle is probably still my favorite. lol
This looks like a great recipe. My family loves soups, I bet they would love this one!
There is something truly wnderful anout a big bowl of hot soup on a cold day.
Minestrone is one of my most favorite soups. It’s hearty, filling and delicious!
This looks healthy and delicious. Packed with nutrients and perfect cure for the winter blahs!
I wish I could eat this! It looks SOOOO yummy. I love noodley soups and minestrone is right up my alley
Minestrone is my husband’s favorite soup. This one looks amazing and perfect for a cold winter day.
This looks delicious! I just switched to gluten free so this is perfect
YUM!! This must be added to my soup recipe list. I just made a huge pot of Lentil soup that was so good.
I have some lentils in the cabinet need to make that next.
I love a big bowl of soup on a chilly winter night. This sounds phenomenal.
I do love one pot dishes! This looks like an amazing winter soup and I love that it’s gluten free and has kale in it! We’ll be trying it soon.
the kale was a yummy addition to this soup recipe.
I must try this version of minestrone. It sounds delicious and really nutritious.
This soup sounds pretty delicious – I love to add kale to my soups. My kids are quite partial to my chicken white bean chili – it is quite good.
This looks really yummy! I have always loved minestrone and my mom is newly gluten-free so I could share this with her. 🙂