Winter Minestrone Butternut Squash Kale (Printable Version)

Hearty Italian soup with butternut squash, kale, beans, and pasta in rich tomato broth.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 small butternut squash (about 1.5 pounds), peeled and diced
07 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
08 - 1 cup chopped fresh kale, stems removed
09 - 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices

→ Legumes and Grains

10 - 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 0.5 cup small pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni

→ Liquids

12 - 6 cups vegetable broth
13 - 1 cup water

→ Spices and Seasonings

14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
16 - 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
17 - 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
18 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Finishing

19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
20 - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add butternut squash and zucchini to the pot. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
05 - Stir in dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
06 - Stir in drained cannellini beans and small pasta. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until pasta is tender and squash is completely soft.
07 - Add chopped fresh kale and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
08 - Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Ladle into serving bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with seasonal vegetables like butternut squash and kale.
  • Hearty and Filling: The combination of beans and pasta makes this a complete, satisfying meal.
  • Easy to Make: A simple one-pot recipe that takes only an hour from start to finish.
02 -
  • Uniformly dice the butternut squash to ensure all pieces become tender at the same time.
  • Wait to add the kale until the very end so it wilts perfectly without losing its vibrant color.
  • Always check labels on canned goods and broth if you are cooking for someone with strict dietary sensitivities or allergies.
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