Chunky Cozy Minestrone Soup: A Hearty and Delicious Recipe to Warm You Up

Chunky Cozy Minestrone Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms you up from the inside out. This hearty Italian soup is packed with a medley of vegetables, beans, pasta, and savory herbs, creating a delicious and satisfying meal in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or need something to ward off the winter chill, this Chunky Cozy Minestrone Soup recipe is sure to hit the spot. With its robust flavors and chunky texture, it’s no wonder why this classic soup has stood the test of time as a favorite among both kids and adults alike. So grab your ladle and get ready to indulge in a steaming bowl of goodness!

Ingredients

To make a delicious and hearty Chunky Cozy Minestrone Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¾ cup small pasta shells or ditalini pasta
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

For garnish:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

This recipe calls for simple and easily accessible ingredients that combine to create a fantastic flavor. The olive oil serves as the base for sautéing the vegetables. Onion adds a lovely aroma while garlic enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Carrots provide sweetness while celery brings in a refreshing crunch. Zucchini adds texture to this chunky soup recipe. Canned diced tomatoes contribute their rich tomatoey goodness.

Vegetable broth forms the flavorful base of this minestrone soup. Water is added to thin out the consistency slightly. Dried basil and oregano bring out delightful Italian flavors that complement all other ingredients perfectly.

Salt and pepper are used according to personal preference for additional seasoning.

Small pasta shells or ditalini pasta add substance and make each spoonful more satisfying. Kidney beans lend protein along with their creamy texture.

Garnishing your bowl of Chunky Cozy Minestrone Soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives it an extra burst of savory flavor. Topping it off with some fresh basil leaves adds freshness and visual appeal.

Now that we have covered the ingredients, let’s move on to the next section to learn how to prepare this comforting soup.

Instructions

To make a delicious Chunky Cozy Minestrone Soup, follow these simple steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Next, add chopped carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Season with dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
6. Bring the soup mixture to a boil over high heat before reducing it to low heat for simmering purposes.
7. Cover the pot partially with a lid and let it simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.
8. Meanwhile, cook your favorite pasta separately according to package instructions.
9. Once cooked al dente (firm but not hard), drain the pasta thoroughly before adding it into the soup.
   10.Stir gently until all ingredients are fully incorporated together.

Your Chunky Cozy Minestrone Soup is now ready! Serve hot in bowls garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness on chilly days or whenever you crave a hearty meal!

Note: This recipe can be easily customized by adding other vegetables such as spinach or green beans based on your preference and availability of ingredients.

Bon appétit!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to enhance your Chunky Cozy Minestrone Soup:

1. Add Protein: Boost the protein content of your soup by adding cooked chicken, beef, or sausage. Simply dice the cooked meat into small pieces and add it to the soup during the final minutes of cooking.
2. Go Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, skip the meat altogether and bulk up on vegetables instead. You can add extra beans like chickpeas or kidney beans for added texture and protein.
3. Swap Veggies: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what you have available or personal preference. Some great options include zucchini, butternut squash, green beans, kale, or spinach.
4. Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier flavor profile, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your minestrone soup an extra kick.
5. Garnish Ideas: Enhance the visual appeal of your Chunky Cozy Minestrone Soup by topping it with various garnishes such as freshly chopped herbs (like basil or parsley), grated Parmesan cheese, croutons, or even a drizzle of olive oil.
6. Make It Creamy: If you enjoy creamy soups, blend about 1/4th of your finished minestrone soup in a blender until smooth before returning it back to the pot. This will create a velvety texture without losing all those chunky bits!
7. Freeze Leftovers: This hearty soup freezes well! Make an extra-large batch and freeze individual portions in resealable freezer bags for quick meals later on.

Variation	Ingredients
Mexican-Inspired	Add corn kernels, diced bell peppers, cumin powder
Mediterranean Twist	Include artichoke hearts, olives, and a splash of balsamic vinegar
Asian Fusion	Add sliced mushrooms, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger

Remember, these are just suggestions. Feel free to get creative and make this Chunky Cozy Minestrone Soup your own!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chunky Cozy Minestrone Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any time of the year. With its hearty combination of vegetables, beans, pasta, and flavorful broth, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings and warm you up from the inside out.

Not only does Chunky Cozy Minestrone Soup taste amazing, but it also provides a nutritious boost to your diet. Packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein from the variety of ingredients used, this soup offers a wholesome meal option that can contribute to your overall health and well-being.

Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or pair it with some crusty bread for a heartier dinner option, Chunky Cozy Minestrone Soup will always hit the spot. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences by adding extra spices or adjusting the vegetable ratios.

So why not give this recipe a try? Grab your favorite pot and start chopping those fresh veggies – in no time at all, you’ll be enjoying a steaming bowl of Chunky Cozy Minestrone Soup that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.