Description
Hearty Minestrone Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish filled with fresh vegetables, smoked turkey bacon, smoked turkey slices, and plant-based flavors. This vibrant soup combines a medley of tastes and textures that warm you up from the inside out, making it a perfect cozy meal for any occasion. It is easy to customize, reheats well, and incorporates plant-based cheese alternatives for a rich, satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 100g smoked turkey slices
- 1 cup red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach (plant-based)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
Base and Broth
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp natural gelling agent
- 1 cup pasta shells
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1 tsp dried oregano (natural) or 1 tbsp fresh oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil (natural) or 1 tbsp fresh basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme (natural) or 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional
- Plant-based cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, then remove and set aside. In the rendered fat, sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant, creating a rich aromatic base.
- Build the Broth: Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, smoked turkey slices, oregano, basil, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer to meld flavors.
- Add Beans and Pasta: Stir in the red kidney beans and pasta shells. Cook until pasta is tender but still firm. Add the natural gelling agent at this stage to enhance the soup’s texture and mouthfeel.
- Finish with Greens and Seasoning: Fold in the fresh spinach and season with apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, and black pepper. Let cook for a few more minutes until the spinach wilts but retains vibrant color.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with plant-based cheese if desired, and enjoy immediately or save for later.
Notes
- Layer flavors by sautéing aromatics thoroughly for a flavorful base.
- Avoid overcooking pasta by adding it just before serving or to preferred texture.
- Use fresh herbs when possible to elevate the soup’s aroma and taste.
- Add natural gelling agent carefully to create a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Adjust apple cider vinegar acidity gradually to suit your palate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: minestrone, vegetable soup, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, gluten free soup, hearty soup, healthy dinner
