Description
Hearty Minestrone Soup is a nourishing and comforting one-pot meal packed with fresh vegetables, tender beans, and savory smoked turkey bacon. This vibrant soup balances textures and flavors to keep you cozy and satisfied year-round, featuring a rich base of aromatic veggies, smoky depth, and fresh herbs for a fragrant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Herbs and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil (natural), for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Finely chop the smoked turkey bacon and cook it in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pot. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until soft and aromatic, creating the flavor foundation for the soup.
- Add Garlic and Liquids: Stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant without browning. Pour in the vegetable broth and add apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to blend.
- Add Vegetables and Beans: Add cherry tomatoes, cannellini beans, zucchini, and kale to the pot. The tomatoes provide acidity, the beans add protein and creaminess, and the kale brings freshness and color. Simmer until the vegetables are tender but retain a pleasant texture.
- Finish and Season: Stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and natural gelling agent gently. Allow the soup to thicken slightly, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and parsley. Optionally, drizzle extra virgin olive oil (natural) on top before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh basil and parsley right before serving to enhance flavor and aroma.
- Do not overcook the vegetables; they should remain tender but firm for best texture.
- Rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium and improve taste.
- Taste and adjust salt at the end, as broth saltiness may vary.
- Soup flavors deepen if made ahead and stored in the refrigerator overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Minestrone Soup, Hearty Soup, Vegetable Soup, Turkey Bacon, Healthy Soup, Comfort Food
