What better way to heat up than with a big bowl of steaming hot, hearty soup.
There’s something quietly restorative about a pot of soup simmering on the stove – especially on a chilly Monday evening when the week is just finding its rhythm. This classic minestrone is exactly that kind of meal: unfussy, nourishing and deeply comforting, with layers of flavour that come together in under an hour.
Fragrant fennel, onion, celery and carrot form a golden, aromatic base, softened gently before garlic and thyme lend their warmth. From there, the pot fills with tender pasta, tomatoes and a medley of beans, creating a broth that’s both hearty and wholesome. Cavolo nero is stirred through at the end for a pop of colour and earthiness, just wilted to retain its texture.
Finished with a generous grating of parmesan and a scattering of fresh thyme, it’s the kind of bowl you’ll want to cradle in your hands – simple, satisfying and deeply comforting. Even better, it’s endlessly adaptable: a perfect way to use up whatever vegetables are lingering in your fridge, making it as practical as it is delicious.
Classic minestrone
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 fennel bulb, coarsely chopped
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 trimmed celery stalks, coarsely chopped
- 1 carrot, coarsely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme, plus extra to serve
- 5 cups water
- 400 g can diced tomatoes
- 100 g dried pasta screws
- 400 g can four bean mix, drained and rinsed
- 175 g cavolo nero, trimmed, coarsely chopped
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
Instructions
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook fennel, onion, celery and carrot, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes or until onion is soft.
Add garlic and thyme to pot; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the water, tomatoes and pasta; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove thyme sprigs.
Add beans and cavolo nero; simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes or until cavolo nero is just wilted. Season with pepper.
Top with cheese and thyme leaves to serve.
Made this Classic minestrone ? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram!
ALSO SEE: SPANISH CHICKEN, CHORIZO AND RICE SOUP
A food stylist and recipe developer, contributing to Food & Home and other esteemed magazines under Habari Media. I love for creating mouthwatering recipes, I bring culinary visions to life through my work.
