Go Back
+ servings
Italian Green Minestrone di Verdure

Hearty Italian Green Minestrone di Verdure for Cozy Nights

Delight in this wholesome Italian Green Minestrone di Verdure, packed with vibrant vegetables and fresh basil pesto.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 1 medium Onion Base flavor; adds sweetness when sautéed.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Essential for the aromatic profile.
  • 2 medium Carrots Can use parsnips as a substitute.
  • 2 stalks Celery Adds a crunchy texture to the broth.
  • 2 cups Cabbage Can substitute with kale or spinach.
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary Can use dried herbs in lesser amounts.
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme Can use dried herbs in lesser amounts.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Consider extra virgin for best flavor.
  • 4 cups Vegetable Stock Substitute with chicken stock if not vegetarian.
  • 2 medium Potatoes Substituting with sweet potatoes is also an option.
  • 1 can Borlotti Beans Can substitute with canned cannellini or kidney beans.
  • 2 cups Arugula Add last to prevent wilting.
  • 1 piece Parmesan Rind Deepens broth's umami flavor.
For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Basil Use fresh for optimal flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts Can substitute with walnuts.
  • 1 medium Lemon Zest and juice enhance flavors in the pesto.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Use quality Parmigiano Reggiano for best results.
  • to taste Salt Basic seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Basic seasoning.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • blender

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. Transfer them to a plate to cool.
  2. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté these vegetables for approximately 10 minutes until they soften.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme along with a few peppercorns. Sauté for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Add shredded cabbage to the pot, stirring it in with the sautéed mixture. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the cabbage wilts.
  5. Pour in the vegetable stock and add the parmesan rind. Stir well and add diced potatoes, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes.
  6. Once the potatoes are ready, add the drained borlotti beans and fresh arugula. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the arugula wilts.
  7. Remove the herb sprigs from the pot and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
  8. In a blender, combine fresh basil, a clove of garlic, the toasted pine nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt. Blend until chunky.
  9. Ladle the soup into bowls, topping with dollops of the freshly made pesto and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with fresh arugula added.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!