Hearty Vegetarian Soup (Printable Recipe)

A hearty minestrone soup with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful broth.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, chopped
04 - 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
05 - 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
06 - Freshly ground black pepper
07 - 3 garlic cloves, grated
08 - 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
09 - 1½ cups cooked white beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
10 - 1 cup chopped green beans
11 - 4 cups vegetable broth
12 - 2 bay leaves
13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - ¾ cup small pasta such as elbows, shells, or orecchiette
16 - ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
17 - Red pepper flakes
18 - Grated Parmesan cheese, optional, for serving

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes until vegetables soften.
02 - Add garlic, diced tomatoes, cooked beans, green beans, vegetable broth, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
03 - Stir in the pasta and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
04 - Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan if desired.

# Extra Tips:

01 - For best texture when making ahead, cook pasta separately and add just before serving.