Vegan Minestrone Soup

If you’re looking for a warm hug in a bowl, this Vegan Minestrone Soup is just what you need! Packed with wholesome veggies, tender pasta, and rich flavors, it’s a recipe that has quickly become a favorite in my home. Not only is it easy to whip up on busy weeknights, but it’s also perfect for family gatherings when you want everyone to enjoy a healthy meal together. Plus, the leftovers are absolutely delicious, making it a great option for meal prep!

This comforting soup is versatile and can be enjoyed any time of year. Whether it’s chilly outside or you’re just in the mood for something hearty, this Vegan Minestrone Soup will surely warm your soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for those hectic nights.
• Family-Friendly: With its colorful veggies and tasty pasta, even picky eaters will enjoy every spoonful.
• Make-Ahead Goodness: It stores wonderfully in the fridge and tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prepping!
• Nutrient-Rich: Full of vegetables and beans, this soup is not just delicious; it’s also packed with vitamins and fiber.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Vegan Minestrone Soup uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

For the Soup Base

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 celery stalk
• 2 carrots
• 1 cup yellow onion (diced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf

For the Vegetables

• 1 russet potato (diced)
• 1 small zucchini (chopped)
• 28 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 32 oz. vegetable broth
• 3 cups water (or more)
• black pepper to taste

For Additional Goodness

• 15 oz. great northern beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 1/2 cups small shell pasta
• 2 cups spinach
• 1-2 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this Vegan Minestrone Soup is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• Swap the Pasta: Use any small pasta shape you love—like ditalini or elbow macaroni—for a fun twist.
• Add More Greens: Toss in kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for extra nutrition.
• Kick Up the Flavor: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Load Up on Protein: Include lentils or other beans to make this soup even heartier!

How to Make Vegan Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. This step is key because it builds a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Build Flavor Layers

Next, stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, salt, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Sauté everything together for another 1-2 minutes. This brings out all those wonderful flavors and sets your soup up for success!

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Now it’s time to add the bay leaf, diced potato, chopped zucchini, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, and water. Turn up the heat to high and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes to allow all those lovely flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Finish It Off

Remove the lid and add in the great northern beans, small shell pasta, and fresh spinach. Continue simmering uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the pasta is cooked al dente. After removing from heat, adjust salt and pepper as needed—don’t forget that optional splash of lemon juice if you want a bit of zing! Enjoy every comforting bite of your Vegan Minestrone Soup!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Minestrone Soup

Making Vegan Minestrone Soup is a breeze, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your soup-making game even further!

• Prep Your Vegetables Ahead: Chopping your veggies in advance saves time during cooking and ensures that everything is ready to go when you need it.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end of cooking enhances the flavor profile and adds a vibrant touch to your soup.

• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply mash some of the beans or potatoes in the pot. This creates a creamy texture without adding any dairy.

• Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While small shell pasta works beautifully, feel free to try other shapes like ditalini or even gluten-free options for variety.

• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator for an easy meal prep option throughout the week.

How to Serve Vegan Minestrone Soup

Serving Vegan Minestrone Soup is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this comforting dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds a burst of color and freshness, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy flavor without dairy, sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top before serving. It’s packed with nutrients too!
• Chili Flakes: If you love heat, adding a pinch of chili flakes as a garnish will give your soup an extra kick.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. Try sourdough or whole grain for added texture!
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the hearty nature of minestrone.
• Garlic Breadsticks: These delicious breadsticks are easy to make and provide that comforting garlic flavor that pairs wonderfully with soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables tossed with olive oil and herbs make a colorful side that adds nutrition and flavor.

Enjoy your Vegan Minestrone Soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and satisfaction.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Minestrone Soup is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it taste even better the next day, but it also allows you to have a healthy meal ready at your fingertips throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding additional water or broth if needed.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Vegan Minestrone Soup that might help you out!

Can I make Vegan Minestrone Soup without pasta?

Absolutely! You can omit the pasta or substitute it with quinoa or brown rice for a gluten-free option.

How long does Vegan Minestrone Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Vegan Minestrone Soup will last for about 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I add more vegetables to my Vegan Minestrone Soup?

Yes! Feel free to customize your soup by adding any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers or green beans.

What’s a good side dish to serve with Vegan Minestrone Soup?

A crusty piece of bread or a fresh side salad pairs wonderfully with this comforting soup!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delicious Vegan Minestrone Soup as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort and joy. Whether you’re feeding your family or enjoying it solo, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!