real italian minestrone soup

Lester, PA
Updated on Oct 1, 2022

My aunt got this recipe from an Italian chef in Center City Philly way back in the 50s. My family loves it. I think it's very easy and especially delicious with a loaf of crusty Italian bread and butter.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Savory and satisfying, this minestrone soup is the perfect bowl to sit down with after a hectic day. Super hearty, it can be served as a main dish with some crusty Italian bread. Caramelizing the onions with pork deepens the flavor of the soup by adding a little sweetness. Filled with carrots, celery, cabbage, chickpeas, and other goodies, we love the different textures in this minestrone soup. Broken spaghetti soaks up the flavor of the soup. Adding a sprinkling of fresh Parmesan at the end is a must.

prep time 25 Min
cook time 45 Min
method Stove Top
yield 6 - 8

Ingredients

  • 1/4 lb. - salt pork diced
  • 2 medium onions, diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced (I use more, it's optional)
  • 1/2 cup sliced celery
  • 1/2 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup chopped cabbage
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 quart chicken broth (fresh or canned)
  • 1 1/2 cups canned chickpeas, drained
  • 1 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (16 oz)
  • 1/2 teaspoon basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 cup chopped escarole or 1/4 c chopped frozen spinach
  • 1/2 cup broken spaghetti
  • - salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How To Make real italian minestrone soup

  • Caramelizing salt pork and onions.
    Step 1
    Brown salt pork and onions in a large pot on medium-low heat until they have a nice caramelized color.
  • Garlic, celery, carrots, cabbage, and parsley added to the pot.
    Step 2
    Add garlic, celery, carrots, cabbage, and parsley. Saute in the pot with the onions for 3-5 minutes.
  • Adding chicken broth to the pot.
    Step 3
    Add 4 cups of chicken broth.
  • Tomatoes, beans, cabbage, and spices added to the pot.
    Step 4
    Add the remaining ingredients except the last five.
  • Boiling the soup.
    Step 5
    Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Spaghetti and escarole added to the pot.
    Step 6
    Add escarole (or chopped spinach) and spaghetti. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Ready to sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the minestrone soup.
    Step 7
    Serve and sprinkle the cheese on top of each serving. Top it off with fresh crusty Italian bread and butter. You can double or triple this recipe according to your needs.

Discover More

Culture: Italian
Category: Beef Soups
Keyword: #cabbage
Keyword: #spinach
Keyword: #tomatoes
Keyword: #Carrots
Keyword: #celery
Keyword: #Escarole
Keyword: #chick peas
Keyword: #pork
Keyword: #Italian
Collection: Soup's On!
Ingredient: Beef
Method: Stove Top

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