Lidia's Minestrone Soup Recipe : Step By Step Guide

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a big bowl of soup to warm the soul. One classic soup that has stood the test of time, traveling through generations and kitchens worldwide, is Minestrone. But this isn’t just any Minestrone – this is Lidia’s Minestrone Soup, inspired by Lidia Bastianich, the renowned Italian-American chef who has a magical way of turning simple ingredients into masterpieces. Her recipe for Minestrone is a celebration of vegetables, broth, and the heartwarming flavors of Italy, making it the perfect dish for any season.

Minestrone soup, with its roots deeply embedded in Italy, is traditionally made with whatever fresh, seasonal vegetables are available. It’s one of those recipes that is flexible, nourishing, and absolutely packed with flavor. Lidia’s version is a celebration of this timeless soup, with a little extra flair and depth in flavor. In this guide, I’ll walk you through her recipe step-by-step, breaking down each ingredient, offering cooking tips, and providing a few variations so you can make this Minestrone your own.

Lidia’s Minestrone Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Lidia’s Minestrone Soup is all about fresh vegetables and a rich broth. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you’ll need to create this comforting dish:

Olive Oil – A generous amount to start off the soup, providing that rich, fragrant base.
Yellow Onion – Sweet and aromatic, the onion adds a wonderful depth to the flavor.
Carrots – Adds a bit of sweetness and texture to balance the savory vegetables.
Celery – Brings a slight crunch and fresh, herbal flavor.
Zucchini – A tender vegetable that soaks up the broth and adds lightness.
Potatoes – They help to thicken the soup, creating that hearty, filling texture.
Garlic – A must for any Italian dish, giving an aromatic punch of flavor.
Tomatoes – Either canned or fresh, tomatoes bring acidity and a slight sweetness that brightens the whole dish.
Vegetable Broth – The foundation of the soup, adding richness and body.
Cannellini Beans – Creamy, mild beans that help add protein and a bit of texture.
Pasta – Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni are perfect for this soup, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
Parmesan Cheese Rind – This is one of Lidia’s secret ingredients that imparts an additional layer of umami flavor.
Fresh Herbs – Thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and a bit of parsley to bring in that Italian herbaceous aroma.
Salt & Pepper – To taste, ensuring everything is seasoned to perfection.

Cooking Instructions

Making Lidia’s Minestrone Soup is a joy – you get to layer the flavors slowly, letting them meld together. Here’s the step-by-step guide:

Prepare your vegetables: Start by chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini into small, bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic, and if you’re using fresh tomatoes, dice them up.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and cook them until softened and aromatic, about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add garlic & zucchini: Once the base vegetables are softened, add the garlic and zucchini. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Incorporate the tomatoes & broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) and cook for a few minutes until they soften. Then pour in your vegetable broth, ensuring the vegetables are fully covered. Add the Parmesan cheese rind (this is crucial for depth of flavor), thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer.
Simmer and add beans & pasta: Once the soup is simmering, stir in the cannellini beans and pasta. Allow the soup to cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the broth.
Taste & adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a splash of olive oil for richness. Once the soup is ready, remove the Parmesan rind and any herb stems.
Serve & garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, top with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for extra richness.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s dive into some of the key ingredients of Lidia’s Minestrone Soup and why they make all the difference:

Olive Oil: Olive oil is the base for many Italian dishes, and Lidia’s Minestrone is no exception. It adds a healthy fat that carries the flavors and infuses the soup with a silky richness. Using high-quality extra-virgin olive oil elevates the overall dish.
Cannellini Beans: These beans are not only nutritious but also have a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the other vegetables in the soup. They add protein, making this soup a one-pot meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Parmesan Rind: This is an unexpected but brilliant addition. The Parmesan rind, while not edible itself, imparts a rich, umami flavor to the soup as it simmers. If you don’t have a rind, you can substitute with a bit of grated Parmesan, but the rind offers a depth that’s hard to replicate.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary are key players in this soup. They infuse the broth with their fragrant oils, and bay leaves add a subtle, earthy background flavor. Always use fresh herbs when possible for maximum taste.

Expert Tips

If you want to elevate your Minestrone game, here are some pro tips from Lidia herself:

Sauté the vegetables well: The first step in making this soup is crucial – sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery. Don’t rush this step; let them cook until they’re soft and golden, as this caramelizes their natural sugars, giving the soup a deeper flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta: The pasta is meant to soak up the broth, but you don’t want it to turn mushy. Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks, especially if you’re using small shapes. If you’re planning to store leftovers, undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get too soft when reheated.
Let the soup sit: Like many soups, this Minestrone tastes even better the next day. Letting the flavors sit overnight allows them to deepen and meld together.
Adjust the consistency: Minestrone can vary in consistency from brothy to thick. If you like your soup on the thicker side, you can mash some of the beans or vegetables to help thicken it. If you prefer a more brothy soup, simply add more vegetable broth.

Recipe Variations

Lidia’s Minestrone Soup is already incredibly versatile, but here are a few variations to customize the soup to your liking:

Meat Option: If you’re craving some meat in your Minestrone, try adding pancetta, Italian sausage, or even shredded chicken. Brown the meat before adding the vegetables for extra flavor.
Vegetarian/Vegan: To make this Minestrone fully vegan, simply skip the Parmesan cheese rind and opt for a vegan broth. You can also top the soup with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Greens: You can easily incorporate leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. Just chop them up and add them during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
Spicy: For a little kick, add some red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper while sautéing the onions and garlic.
Different Beans: While cannellini beans are traditional, feel free to use any white beans you like. Chickpeas or kidney beans would also work beautifully.

Final Words

Lidia’s Minestrone Soup is more than just a recipe – it’s a tradition, a labor of love, and an invitation to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of home-cooked food. It’s a dish that welcomes improvisation, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just making a cozy meal for yourself, this Minestrone hits all the right notes.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients In Lidia’s Minestrone Soup Recipe?

Lidia’s minestrone soup recipe typically includes ingredients such as onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, garlic, beans, potatoes, and a variety of leafy greens like spinach or kale. Additionally, pasta or rice is added for heartiness, along with olive oil, vegetable broth, and herbs such as basil, parsley, and thyme.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Bean For Lidia’s Minestrone Soup?

Yes, you can substitute the beans used in Lidia’s minestrone soup recipe. Common options include cannellini beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas. The beans provide a creamy texture, so choose one that suits your preference for flavor and consistency.

How Can I Make Lidia’s Minestrone Soup Recipe Vegetarian?

To make the soup vegetarian, simply replace the chicken or meat-based broth with vegetable broth and ensure no meat-based ingredients, like pancetta or bacon, are used. The recipe is already naturally vegetarian, so this substitution will maintain the integrity of the dish.

Can I Freeze Lidia’s Minestrone Soup?

Yes, Lidia’s minestrone soup can be frozen. It’s best to freeze it without the pasta, as pasta can become mushy when thawed. If you plan to freeze the soup, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating the soup.

What Kind Of Pasta Should I Use In Lidia’s Minestrone Soup Recipe?

Lidia’s minestrone soup typically uses small pasta, like ditalini or elbow macaroni. These shapes hold the soup’s broth well and provide a nice bite. You can also use other small pasta types, such as orzo or small shells, depending on your preference.

Can I Make Lidia’s Minestrone Soup In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, Lidia’s minestrone soup can be made in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients (except for the pasta) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add the pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t overcook.

What Should I Serve With Lidia’s Minestrone Soup?

Lidia’s minestrone soup is often served with a slice of crusty Italian bread, which can be used to soak up the soup. You can also pair it with a simple salad for a light meal, or top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Can I Use Canned Tomatoes For Lidia’s Minestrone Soup?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes in place of fresh tomatoes. Lidia’s minestrone recipe calls for crushed or diced tomatoes, and canned tomatoes work perfectly in the soup. Just ensure you’re using high-quality, unsweetened tomatoes for the best flavor.

Is Lidia’s Minestrone Soup Gluten-free?

Lidia’s minestrone soup is not inherently gluten-free because it includes pasta, which contains gluten. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta or rice in place of regular pasta.

How Long Does It Take To Make Lidia’s Minestrone Soup From Start To Finish?

Lidia’s minestrone soup typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to prepare and cook, depending on the ingredients and the cooking method. If you’re using a slow cooker, the process may take longer but requires less hands-on time.