Rustic Caramelized Onion Minestrone
I can’t believe one ingredient makes such a big difference!
you're making mealtime meaningful.
In our house, a big pot of soup is a staple when it comes feeding our family, and this veggie-rich minestrone is one of our favorites. It warms us from the inside out! With all the crazy schedules in our house, keeping a pot of soup on the burner is a great way for everyone to grab a bowl and eat as they move between activities.
Don’t let the fact that a veggie based soup fool you, as it might suggest something thin and not super filling. But this is a soup with some substance! Potatoes provide a heartier option to the traditional pasta, and well-caramelized onions are the secret to this soup’s flavorful broth. Try chopping all the vegetables, except the potatoes, on the weekend (when you have a little extra time) and then finishing the soup for a hot and hearty supper on a weekday. This recipe makes enough for a crowd, but you can always freeze any leftovers for a delicious meal at a later time.
Rustic Caramelized Onion Minestrone
Yield(s): Serves 8-10
90 minutes
you're making mealtime meaningful.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, halved and sliced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups vegetable stock
- 1 (15 oz) can diced, fire-roasted tomatoes, including liquid
- 1 (15.5 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
Preparation
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a soup pot. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium low, and continue cooking the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are very soft and light brown in color, 20-30 minutes.
- Add garlic and stir until fragrant.
- Pour vegetable stock into the pot slowly. Stir to scrape up and incorporate brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in tomatoes, cannellini beans, potatoes, carrots, celery and seasonings. Bring mixture to a slow boil then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add green beans and peas. Stir well, and continue cooking for another 15 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls, and serve with an optional side of crusty bread!
Recipe adapted from Think Eat Drink