Hearty Minestrone with Smoked Pancetta
Hearty Minestrone with Smoked Pancetta
Classic DishMinestrone
Prep: 25 min • Cook: 45 min. A robust and flavorful minestrone packed with seasonal vegetables, beans, and tender morsels of smoky pancetta, finished with Parmesan.
- Preparation time
- 25 min
- Cooking time
- 45 min
- Total time
- 1 hr 10 min
- Servings
- 6
Instructions
Soup Base
- 1In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced pancetta over medium heat until crisp. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- 2Add the olive oil to the pot if needed, then add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4Add the diced zucchini and green beans to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 6Add the drained and rinsed mixed beans to the pot.
- 7Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 8Reduce the heat, cover, and let the minestrone simmer for at least 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
Serving
- 1Ladle the hot minestrone into bowls.
- 2Garnish generously with the reserved crispy pancetta and grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 351 kcal
- Protein
- 15 g
- Fat
- 19 g
- Carbs
- 35 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 351 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
Tips
- Chop all vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture in the soup.
- Simmer the soup uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly to your desired consistency.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping to make this hearty soup even more satisfying.
