Description

Hearty Minestrone Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish packed with fresh vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, and vibrant herbs. This soup blends wholesome ingredients for a rich, layered taste and satisfying textures, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a hearty, garden-fresh meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Aromatics

4 oz smoky turkey bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1 cup chickpeas, cooked or canned, drained and rinsed

Liquids and Flavorings

6 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)

Pasta and Thickening

1 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini or elbows)
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Herbs and Seasonings

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Pinch of red chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil (natural) in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.
Cook the Turkey Bacon: Add the chopped smoky turkey bacon to the pot. Cook, stirring regularly, until the bacon is crispy and fragrant, infusing the soup with a rich, savory depth.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow the flavors to meld. Add the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to enhance the umami richness.
Incorporate Vegetables and Chickpeas: Add the zucchini, green beans, and chickpeas. Simmer gently so the vegetables become tender but still retain a slight bite for texture balance.
Pasta and Thickening: Add the small pasta shapes to the soup and cook until al dente, being careful not to overcook. Stir in the natural gelling agent to thicken the broth slightly, giving it a velvety, comforting texture.
Final Touches: Finish the soup by stirring in fresh parsley, basil, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes if desired. Let the soup sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to combine before serving hot.

Notes

Add fresh herbs just prior to serving to maintain their bright flavor and color.
Do not overcook the pasta; add it towards the end and cook just until tender.
Sauté onions and garlic slowly over low heat to enhance their natural sweetness without bitterness.
Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level for gentle warmth or more heat.
Use high-quality vegetable broth to maximize depth of flavor effortlessly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering and Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Minestrone soup, vegetable soup, turkey bacon soup, healthy soup, hearty soup, pasta soup, plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, natural gelling agent