Hearty Minestrone

Name: Hearty Minestrone
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil; 3 medium leeks, trimmed, washed (see Tip) and thinly sliced; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth; 1 cup water; 1 large red potato, diced; 2 whole bay leaves; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground pepper; 0.5 cup whole-wheat orzo; 1 15-ounce can white beans, rinsed; 2 medium zucchini, quartered and thinly sliced; 1 pound fresh spinach, stems removed; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano

Instructions

Cook:30min

This version of the Italian classic soup Minestrone is packed with leeks, potatoes, beans, zucchini, spinach and orzo, making it perfect for a hearty lunch or supper on a cold winter's night. To make a vegetarian version use vegetable rather than chicken broth.

Updated at: Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:41:41 GMT