Winter Minestrone Soup is packed with wholesome veggies, pancetta, white beans and farro for a flavorful, satisfying soup that the entire family will love! It includes a gluten-free option and it's great for meal prep!
4cupschicken stockor sub with beef or vegetable stock
2cupswateror sub with more stock
1bay leaf
1tablespoonfreshly chopped rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried
½cupuncooked farro or short cut pastasub with quinoa to make gluten-free
1mediumsweet potatopeeled and chopped into ½" chunks (or sub with regular potato)
15ouncescannelini beansrinsed and drained
1"chunkparmesan cheese rindoptional
3cupschopped kaleor use baby kale or spinach
salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, parsnip, celery, and pancetta, and cook until the onions are translucent and the vegetables have softened, about 5-8 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
Add the tomatoes, stock, water, bay leaf and rosemary and bring to a boil.
Add the sweet potato and cook about 10 minutes. Add the farro or pasta, beans and parmesan cheese rind, and simmer about 10-15 more minutes, or until the farro or pasta is cooked.
Toss the kale in during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking until just wilted. If using baby kale or spinach, add during the last 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and remove the cheese rind and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper, to taste and serve garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Dietary substitutions: Make vegetarian by omitting the pancetta and using vegetable stock in place of the chicken stock; omit the parmesan cheese rind to make this recipe dairy-free; use quinoa instead of pasta to make this soup gluten-free.
Pro tip: Prep the veggies in advance to make meal prep a breeze on busy nights!
Baby kale and spinach are great options to save time. Add about 2-4 cups depending on the amount of greens you like in your soup!
Store minestrone soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.