Description
Cozy up with a bowl of hearty winter minestrone paired with crispy garlic bruschetta. This classic Italian-inspired dish is packed with seasonal vegetables, beans, pasta, and aromatic herbs, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Winter Minestrone:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups kale or Swiss chard, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
For the Garlic Bruschetta:
- 1 baguette or rustic Italian bread, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Making the Winter Minestrone:
- Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Zucchini – Stir in minced garlic and diced zucchini, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer the Soup Base – Pour in canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, drained beans, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta – Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until tender.
- Incorporate the Greens – Stir in chopped kale or Swiss chard and cook for 5 more minutes until wilted.
- Season and Serve – Remove bay leaves, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Making the Garlic Bruschetta:
- Prepare the Bread – Slice the baguette or rustic bread into thick slices.
- Toast the Slices – Drizzle with olive oil and toast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Rub with Garlic – While warm, rub each slice with a peeled garlic clove.
- Season and Serve – Sprinkle with salt and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta or substitute with rice or quinoa.
- Protein Boost – Add diced cooked chicken or sausage.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes.
- Dairy-Free – Omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Different Greens – Use spinach or collard greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: soup, bread
- Method: Stovetop, baking
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: winter minestrone, garlic bruschetta, Italian soup, comfort food, vegetarian minestrone