Vegan Minestrone Soup

A hearty vegan minestrone soup brings together vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth. Starting with a base of garlic, onions, carrots, and celery slowly sautéed together, this soup builds on traditional Italian cooking methods that coax out deep, rich flavors. The aromatics gently cook down to create that unmistakable foundation that makes minestrone such a beloved dish in kitchens worldwide.

As the soup develops, green beans, peas, and zucchini introduce fresh elements, while kidney beans and macaroni transform it into a complete meal. The broth gains its depth from layers of tomato - paste, puree, and optionally, sun-dried tomatoes that add concentrated umami notes. These elements merge into a light yet satisfying broth that needs no dairy or cream to achieve its rich taste.

At the final stage, fresh spinach leaves are folded in, just long enough to wilt while keeping their nutrients intact. The soup comes together in about 20 minutes of hands-on cooking, followed by a short simmer - perfect for weeknight dinners when time is tight. Careful timing ensures the pasta remains al dente and the vegetables tender-crisp, giving each spoonful varied textures and flavors.

One of the soup's strengths lies in its flexibility - frozen vegetables work just as well as fresh, any variety of beans can step in for kidney beans, and gluten-free pasta makes an easy substitute for traditional macaroni. The soup not only keeps well for four days in the fridge but often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. When reheating, a splash of stock helps restore the original consistency.

The finished minestrone needs little more than a drizzle of olive oil or scattered fresh herbs to serve, though it welcomes crusty bread alongside. As it sits, the soup naturally thickens into a substantial meal that particularly satisfies during cold weather. Those watching their salt intake can start with low-sodium stock, adjusting the seasoning to taste, while a squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens all the flavors and brings the dish into perfect balance.