Cozy Minestrone Soup with Tonda Iblea EVOO

Alicia Shroff

— 2 min read
Cozy Minestrone Soup with Tonda Iblea EVOO
Minestrone is a soup that warms you from the inside out, and with the addition of a quality extra virgin olive oil, it becomes a sensory experience that captures the essence of the Mediterranean diet.

There’s something magical about a warm bowl of minestrone soup on a chilly day. Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, this Italian classic is a nutritional powerhouse and a crowd-pleaser. But here’s our twist: finishing with a drizzle of Tonda Iblea EVOO elevates this comforting soup to a new level. This final touch of fruity, slightly peppery olive oil adds richness, which will beautifully complement the hearty vegetables and savory broth.

Minestrone Soup Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp Tonda Iblea extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)*
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Rancho Gordo Marcella Beans, prepared according to package directions*
  • 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Mancini tubetti pasta*
  • Salt and pepper to taste*
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

*Ingredients available at Olive Ovation

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the Veggies and Broth: Add zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Add the Beans and Pasta: Stir in the beans and pasta. Cook until the pasta is al dente (about 10 minutes).
  4. Finish with Greens: Stir in the spinach or kale, cooking until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve with a Drizzle of Olive Oil: Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with a good-quality EVOO from Olive Ovation, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Why Olive Oil is the Perfect Finish for Minestrone: The choice of extra virgin olive oil adds a layer of flavor that’s both aromatic and rich. It’s the perfect way to tie all the ingredients together with that signature Mediterranean taste, while the natural polyphenols boost the health benefits of this already nutritious meal​​.

For more recipes and to explore our fine selection of olive oils, visit extravirginoo.com and experience a touch of old-world culinary charm right in the heart of St. Louis.

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