Are you looking for a healthy and delicious soup recipe? Look no further than 1 cup (250 g) Hearty Minestrone Soup! With only 140 calories per serving, this soup is the perfect choice for a nutritious and filling meal.
In addition to being low in calories, Hearty Minestrone Soup is also packed with vitamins and minerals. This soup is a great source of fiber, which can help improve digestion and keep you feeling full for longer. It also contains plenty of vegetables, including tomatoes, carrots, and beans, which are all rich in antioxidants that can help boost your immune system.
In this article, we'll explore the nutrition facts, ingredients, preparation methods, benefits, variations, serving tips, accompaniments, storage and reheating instructions, and frequently asked questions about Hearty Minestrone Soup. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your taste buds!
Nutrition Facts of Hearty Minestrone Soup
Hearty Minestrone Soup is a nutritious and delicious soup that is packed with vitamins and minerals. Here are the nutrition facts for one serving of this soup:
- calories: 140
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Total Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 6g
As you can see, Hearty Minestrone Soup is a great source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's also low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal.
Ingredients of Hearty Minestrone Soup
To make Hearty Minestrone Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz/398 mL) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups (1 L) vegetable broth
- 1 can (19 oz/540 mL) mixed beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients can be easily found at any grocery store and are relatively inexpensive. You can also customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting the beans for meat or tofu.
How to Prepare Hearty Minestrone Soup
Making Hearty Minestrone Soup is easy and only takes about 30 minutes. Here's how to make it:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
- Add carrots and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes, until vegetables are softened.
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, mixed beans, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
That's it! This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner or for meal prep for the week.
Benefits of Hearty Minestrone Soup
There are many benefits to eating Hearty Minestrone Soup, including:
- Packed with nutrients - this soup contains a variety of vegetables, beans, and other nutritious ingredients that can help boost your immune system and overall health.
- Low in calories - at only 140 calories per serving, Hearty Minestrone Soup can help support weight loss or weight management goals.
- Easy to customize - this recipe is very versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Overall, adding Hearty Minestrone Soup to your diet is a great way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal while also supporting your health and wellness goals.
Tips for Serving Hearty Minestrone Soup
Hearty Minestrone Soup is a delicious and satisfying meal on its own, but here are some tips for serving it:
- Pair with crusty bread or crackers for a bit of texture and crunch.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
These serving suggestions can help elevate the flavor and nutrition of your meal.
Variations of Hearty Minestrone Soup
One of the great things about Hearty Minestrone Soup is that it's easy to customize and make your own. Here are some variations you can try:
- Add meat - if you're not vegetarian or vegan, you can add meat such as ground beef, turkey, or chicken to the soup for extra protein.
- Swap vegetables - feel free to swap out the vegetables in this recipe for your favorites, or use whatever you have on hand.
- Make it spicy - add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give the soup a bit of a kick.
Experimenting with different ingredients and flavors can help you find the perfect version of Hearty Minestrone Soup for you.
Perfect Accompaniments for Hearty Minestrone Soup
If you're looking for some delicious accompaniments to serve with Hearty Minestrone Soup, here are some ideas:
- Crusty bread or crackers
- Parmesan cheese
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled cheese sandwich
These accompaniments can help make your meal more satisfying and enjoyable.
Store and Reheating Instructions for Hearty Minestrone Soup
If you have leftovers of Hearty Minestrone Soup, here's how to store and reheat it:
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, simply heat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
These storage and reheating instructions can help you enjoy your soup for days to come.
Hearty Minestrone Soup vs Other Soups
Hearty Minestrone Soup is just one of many great soup recipes out there. Here are some reasons why it stands out from other soups:
- Loaded with vegetables - this soup contains a variety of vegetables, making it a great way to eat more greens and other nutritious foods.
- Low in calories - at only 140 calories per serving, Hearty Minestrone Soup is a great choice for anyone looking to watch their calorie intake.
- Customizable - this recipe is very versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
These unique features make Hearty Minestrone Soup a delicious and nutritious option for any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hearty Minestrone Soup
Here are some common questions and answers about Hearty Minestrone Soup:
- Can I use different types of beans?
- Yes, you can use any type of beans you like in this recipe. Try kidney beans, cannellini beans, or black beans.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Is this soup vegan?
- Yes, this soup is vegan as long as you use vegetable broth and don't add any meat or dairy products.
These FAQs can help answer any questions you might have about the recipe.
Soup is a lot like a family. Each ingredient enhances the others; each batch has its own characteristics; and it needs time to simmer to reach full flavor. - Marge Kennedy
5 FAQ about Hearty Minestrone Soup
1. How many calories are in one cup of Hearty Minestrone Soup?
One cup of Hearty Minestrone Soup contains 140 calories.
2. What are the main ingredients in Hearty Minestrone Soup?
The ingredients in Hearty Minestrone Soup can vary, but typically include: tomatoes, vegetable broth, onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, beans, and pasta.
3. Is Hearty Minestrone Soup a healthy meal option?
Yes, Hearty Minestrone Soup is considered a healthy meal option. It is low in calories and fat, but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
4. Can Hearty Minestrone Soup be customized to fit dietary restrictions?
Yes, Hearty Minestrone Soup can be customized to fit dietary restrictions. For example, it can be made vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth and eliminating any meat or dairy-based ingredients.
5. How can I make Hearty Minestrone Soup at home?
To make Hearty Minestrone Soup at home, you will need: tomatoes, vegetable broth, onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, beans, and pasta. Saute the vegetables in a pot, then add the broth and canned tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender. Add beans and pasta, and cook until pasta is tender. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.