Can Minestrone Soup Be Frozen Recipes

SIMPLE ITALIAN MINESTRONE SOUP

Steps:

• In a large Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add onions, carrots and celery. Raise heat to medium-high, if you need to, and cook, tossing regularly, until the veggies soften a bit (about 5 minutes or so). Add the garlic and cook another minute, tossing regularly.
• Add the zucchini or yellow squash and green beans. Season with paprika, rosemary, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
• Now add the crushed tomatoes, broth, fresh thyme, bay leaf and Parmesan rind (if using.) Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and partially cover the pot. Let simmer for about 20 minutes or so.
• Uncover the pot and add the kidney beans. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
• Finally, Stir in the parsley and fresh basil. And, if serving immediately, stir in the cooked pasta and simmer ever so briefly till the pasta is warmed through; do not overcook. (See Cook's Tip #2)
• Remove the cheese rind and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. Serve the minestrone hot in dinner bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan (optional.)

FROZEN VEGETABLE MINESTRONE SOUP

Steps:

• Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, onions, red pepper flakes, garlic and potatoes with a generous pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the vegetables are tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and 2 cups water and continue cooking until the tomatoes start to break down and mellow out, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Add the beans, peas, corn and celery and simmer 2 to 3 minutes. Taste for seasoning.
• Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with a few dollops of pesto and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve with garlic bread on the side if desired.