Hearty Bacon Miestreone Soup Recipe You'll Love

There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm, rich soup on a chilly day, and when you combine the wholesome elements of a minestrone with the smoky flavor of bacon, you've got yourself a recipe for success. Here's how to make a Hearty Bacon Minestrone Soup that'll keep your heart and stomach full with love.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (15.5 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• ¹⁄₄ cup small pasta (ditalini or macaroni)
• 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it turns crisp. This imparts a deep, smoky flavor into the soup.
2. Remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set them aside. Use the rendered fat to sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the zucchini, tomatoes with their juice, and the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Stir in the cannellini beans, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for 15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
5. Add the pasta to the pot and continue cooking until it’s al dente, roughly 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using.
6. Just before serving, toss in the spinach and the reserved bacon bits, letting the spinach wilt into the soup. This keeps it vibrant and fresh.

Serving Suggestions

• Ladle the soup into bowls.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
• Consider serving with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

🥄 Note: This soup is incredibly versatile; you can add other vegetables like kale, leeks, or even a few pieces of potato. The key is to maintain the balance of flavors by not overcrowding the soup.

Tips for the Perfect Hearty Bacon Minestrone

• Bacon Selection: Thick-cut bacon works best as it gives more texture and flavor when cooked.
• Vegetable Sizes: Chop your vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Pasta Cooking: If you’re preparing the soup ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to avoid it becoming mushy.
• Seasoning Adjustments: Taste as you go. If the soup lacks depth, a touch more oregano or basil can work wonders, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for added zest.
• Broth Choices: A rich chicken or vegetable broth can make a significant difference in the overall flavor profile.

In this recipe, the delightful combination of earthy vegetables, tender pasta, and the savory, smoky bacon elevates minestrone soup to a new level. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your table. This hearty soup is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of ingredients to create something truly heartwarming.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

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Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor of bacon.

How can I store leftover minestrone?

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Cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water if the soup has thickened too much.

Is this soup good for meal prep?

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Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep. Simply prepare the soup in larger quantities, cool it, and store it in portion-sized containers. Remember to cook the pasta separately and add it only when you reheat each serving to keep it from getting soggy.