Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with our traditional Minestrone soup. Packed with a medley of fresh vegetables, beans, pasta, and savory herbs, this hearty dish is a delicious way to experience the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or as a light lunch, our Minestrone is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the rustic kitchens of Italy.

Here's a classic recipe for Italian Minestrone:

Ingredients:

 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

 - 1 onion, chopped

 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

 - 2 carrots, diced

 - 2 celery stalks, diced

 - 1 zucchini, diced

 - 1 yellow squash, diced

 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano

 - 1 teaspoon dried basil

 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

 - 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

 - 6 cups vegetable broth

 - 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)

 - Salt and pepper, to taste

 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish -

 - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2- Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, and yellow squash to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.

3- Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Cook for another minute.

4- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer.

5- Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes.

6- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

7- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your Italian Minestrone!

Nutritional Values :

Here's a general overview of the nutritional values for the main ingredients in the Italian Minestrone recipe. Keep in mind that actual values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods:

For the Vegetable Soup:

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories:240

  - Fat:28 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Adds flavor and richness.

Onion (1, chopped):

  - Calories:45

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:11 g

  - Protein:1 g

Benefits: Adds flavor, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Supports immune health.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

  - Calories:10

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:2 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Provides flavor and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Carrots (2, diced):

  - Calories:50

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:12 g

  - Protein:1 g

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Celery (2 stalks, diced):

  - Calories:20

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:4 g

  - Protein:1 g

Benefits: Adds crunch and flavor, provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Zucchini (1, diced):

  - Calories:33

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:7 g

  - Protein:2 g

Benefits: Low in calories, high in vitamins C and A, and provides dietary fiber.

Yellow Squash (1, diced):

  - Calories:30

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:7 g

  - Protein:1 g

Benefits: Low in calories, rich in vitamins A and C, and adds fiber.

Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories:3

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:1 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants and essential oils.

Dried Basil (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories:2

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:0.5 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds flavor, has antioxidant properties, and may support digestion.

Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon):

  - Calories:1

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:0.2 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz):

  - Calories:70

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:15 g

  - Protein:3 g

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, and antioxidants like lycopene.

Kidney Beans (1 can, 14 oz, drained and rinsed):

  - Calories:210

  - Fat:0.5 g

  - Carbohydrates:37 g

  - Protein:14 g

Benefits: High in protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and potassium.

Vegetable Broth (6 cups):

  - Calories:60 (for low-sodium)

  - Fat:0 g

  - Carbohydrates:14 g

  - Protein:3 g

Benefits: Adds flavor with minimal calories, provides nutrients from vegetables.

Small Pasta (1 cup):

  - Calories:200

  - Fat:1 g

  - Carbohydrates:40 g

  - Protein:7 g

Benefits: Adds texture and additional carbohydrates for energy.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use salt in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish):

  - Calories:5 (per 1/4 cup)

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:1 g

  - Protein:1 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and provides vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants.

Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving):

  - Calories:110 (per 1/4 cup)

  - Fat:8 g

  - Carbohydrates:1 g

  - Protein:10 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and protein, provides calcium.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.