This hearty and nutritious minestrone soup recipe is a celebration of simplicity, wellness, and seasonal bounty. Perfect for cozy nights or as a wholesome meal to share with loved ones, this minestrone is crafted from a vibrant selection of vegetables, beans, lentils, and quinoa, simmered in a rich vegan stock.
Ingredients
- Onion
- Garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Your favorite seasonal vegetables, for example:
- zucchini
- sweet potato
- carrot
- celery
- tomato
- peas
- 1 cup beans
- ½ cup lentils
- ½ cup quinoa
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 2 cups vegan stock
- Salt and pepper
- Oregano
- Thyme
Method
- Dice up all vegetables to roughly a 1.5cm by 1.5cm / half inch by half inch size and set aside
- Pour seasonings into a small bowl and set aside (this makes it easier to add to the pot later)
- Set a large pot to medium heat for 2 minutes
- Add the olive oil and let it warm up for another minute
- Add the onion, garlic, and all vegetables except green peas/green beans one at a time, stirring with a heat proof spatula in between each addition
- Add the beans, lentils and quinoa, stirring after each addition.
- Add the seasonings - herbs, salt and pepper
- Add the chopped tomatoes, stir, then add the vegan stock
- give it a good mix and ensure the soup is watery. if it isn’t watery, add enough water to have the vegetables floating in liquid
- Place a lid on the pot
- If the soup is bubbling, set the temperature to low. If it appears still and cold, set the temperature to medium
- Let it cook for 20 minutes
- Carefully lift the pot lid so steam opens away from you and give it a stir.
- Scoop out a large piece of a hard vegetable e.g. potato, carrot. If it is hard when you cut into it/bite it, leave the soup to cook for another 10 minutes with the lid on and check back until it is soft. Once it’s soft, the soup is done!
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of seasonal produce, a nod to sustainability, and a warm embrace on chilly days. It invites us to experiment with our favorite vegetables, to play with flavors, and to share the joy of cooking with those we hold dear. So, ladle up a generous serving of this comforting soup, garnish with a sprinkle of love, and savor the rich tapestry of flavors. May this minestrone inspire you to embrace the art of vegan cooking, to gather around the table with friends and family, and to enjoy the simple pleasures that life has to offer. Here's to many more meals that warm the heart and nourish the soul.
