Description
Hearty Minestrone Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish blending fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and savory turkey bacon in a flavorful plant-based broth. This easy-to-make soup offers a satisfying combination of textures and tastes, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a wholesome, nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat Substitute
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
Broth and Seasonings
- 6 cups plant-based broth
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Beans and Pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup whole grain pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Fresh Herbs and Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Dice the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces and sauté in olive oil over medium heat until crispy and aromatic. Remove the bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot with bacon fat. Cook gently over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Build the Broth: Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices to deglaze the pot. Pour in the plant-based broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and apple cider vinegar (natural). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Vegetables and Beans: Mix in diced zucchini and cannellini beans. Let the soup simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the zucchini softens and the beans heat through, enriching the broth.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the whole grain pasta to the simmering soup and cook according to package directions until al dente, taking care not to overcook to maintain a firm texture.
- Finish and Serve: Return the reserved turkey bacon pieces to the pot. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and gently fold in fresh basil and parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use a high-quality plant-based broth for the best flavor.
- Add pasta late and cook until just al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Lightly toast herbs or spices during sautéing to enhance their aroma.
- Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth or simmering longer as preferred.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: minestrone, hearty soup, turkey bacon soup, vegetable soup, plant-based broth, comfort food, fall recipe, winter recipe, healthy soup
