- **SEO-Friendly Keyword: Chef John's Minestrone Soup Ingredients**
- **Tomatoes**: Fresh or canned, rich in flavor and essential for the hearty taste of the soup.
- **Carrots**: Adds natural sweetness and a vibrant color to the minestrone mix.
- **Onions**: Crucial for building the base flavor of any savory dish; finely chopped for optimal taste.
- **Zucchini**: A summer squash that provides moisture and freshness, enhancing the texture of the soup.
- **Cabbage**: Offers both crunchiness and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to balance other ingredients.
- **Kidney Beans**: Protein-rich and contribute to the hearty consistency of the soup.
- **Pasta**: Chef John's minestrone typically includes a type of pasta such as small elbow macaroni for added texture.
- **Zinfandel Wine (optional)**: A key ingredient that adds depth and complexity, though it can be substituted or omitted based on preference.
- **Vegetable Bouillon**: Provides the base flavor profile without relying solely on salt.
- **Garlic**: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor; use more for those who enjoy a stronger taste.
- **Olive Oil**: For sautéing vegetables to enhance their natural flavors and aromas.
- **Thyme**: A classic herb that complements the vegetable base, offering a subtle earthy aroma.
- **Bay Leaves**: Used in cooking to add a delicate layer of flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
- **Salt and Pepper**: To taste; adjust according to your seasoning preference.
- **Fresh Herbs (optional)**: Such as parsley or basil can be added for garnishing and extra freshness.
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Steps
### Chef John's Minestrone Soup Recipe
#### Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound small potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup small green beans, trimmed and cut into one-inch pieces
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 fresh sage leaves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)
#### Equipment:
- Large pot with lid
- Immersion blender or regular blender (optional)
- Colander
### Step-by-Step Guide:
1. **Preparation:**
- Begin by chopping your vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Rinse the potatoes, green beans, and any other fresh produce under cold water.
2. **Cooking Vegetables:**
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in sliced carrots and celery, and sauté for another 5 minutes.
3. **Adding Aromatics:**
- Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, making sure not to burn it.
- Add the chopped sage leaves and stir well.
4. **Adding Liquids and Herbs:**
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes with their juice.
- Stir in bay leaves, dried oregano, and thyme for added flavor.
5. **Cooking Vegetables:**
- Add the cubed potatoes and green beans to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
6. **Blending (Optional):**
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend some of the soup directly in the pot.
- Alternatively, carefully ladle portions into a regular blender and puree before returning them to the pot.
7. **Seasoning:**
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove bay leaves and discard.
8. **Serving:**
- Ladle the minestrone soup into bowls and top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade Chef John's Minestrone Soup!
### Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality tomatoes to enhance the flavor of this soup.
- Ensure vegetables are well cooked but not overdone to maintain texture and freshness.
By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious and hearty Chef John’s Minestrone Soup that is perfect for any meal. This recipe is optimized for SEO with relevant keywords and structured content for easy reading and understanding.