Minestrone Soup

It’s a new year, and it’s time to mix it up! This year, UGA SNAP-Ed’s Recipe Calander theme is “Mix it up with color and flavor to fill your day!” Each month, the calendar will feature a new recipe with suggestions of ingredients to spice up your recipes with different flavors and nutrients.  

January is National Soup Month, so we are featuring Minestrone Soup. Minestrone soup originated in Italy as a dish to reduce food waste and use leftovers [1]. In fact, there is no exact recipe for Minestrone soup because Italians would use what they have on hand to make it [2]. The best part about Minestrone Soup is that you can add or take out an ingredient depending on what’s in your pantry or your budget. With beans and veggies being the star of this recipe, this makes it the perfect easy, cheap, nutritious soup to kick start your year.  

Ingredients: 
Serves 6 

• 1 10-ounce package of frozen vegetables, any type 
• 2 (14.5 ounces) cans of diced tomatoes, canned, low-sodium  
• 2 (14.5 ounces) cans broth, any flavor, canned, low-sodium  
• 1 (15.5 ounces) can of beans, canned, any type, low-sodium  
• 1 cup pasta, dry, any type   
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper  
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning  
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder  
• 2 teaspoons onion powder 

Instructions: 

1. Wash hands with soap and warm water.  
2. In a large pot, combine frozen vegetables, tomatoes, broth, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and beans. 
3. Bring soup to a boil and add the pasta. Reduce heat to medium/medium-low and for 15 minutes or until the pasta and vegetables are tender.  

Mix It Up!  

Try adding these alternative ingredients for different flavors and nutrients:  

• Carrots 
• Spinach  
• Mushrooms 
• Cabbage 

The start of a new year is the perfect time to try new things, why not start the year mixing up flavor, color, and nutrients in your meals? Check with your county Extension Office and get your copy of the 2024 UGA SNAP-Ed Recipe Calendar today!  

References: 

1. https://www.giolittideli.com/italian/history-italian-minestrone-soup/#:~:text=The%20Italian%20Origins%20of%20Minestrone,to%20waste%20perfectly%20good%20food.  
2. https://www.denicolasitaliandining.com/blog/the-history-of-minestrone-soup-what-is-it-and-how-is-it-made