Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Are you craving a comforting and wholesome soup that’s packed with vegetables, beans, and delicious aromas? Look no further than Instant Pot Minestrone Soup!

This delightful Italian classic can be easily prepared in your trusty Instant Pot, allowing for a quick and convenient meal with minimal effort. In this article, we’ll share a fantastic recipe for Instant Pot Minestrone Soup, along with ingredients, instructions, helpful tips, substitutions, FAQs, and a conclusion that will leave you eager to try this hearty soup.

Ingredients:

To create a flavorful pot of Instant Pot Minestrone Soup, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup small pasta (such as macaroni or ditalini)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make Instant Pot Minestrone Soup:

1. Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
3. Add the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, followed by the kidney beans, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.
6. Select the “Soup” or “Manual” mode and set the cooking time for 10 minutes on high pressure.
7. After the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
8. While the soup is releasing pressure, cook the pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
9. Once the pressure is fully released from the Instant Pot, carefully open the lid.
10. Stir in the cooked pasta into the soup.
11. Ladle the hot Instant Pot Minestrone Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
12. Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can sauté the vegetables for a few extra minutes before adding the remaining ingredients.
• Customize the soup by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
• Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
• If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more vegetable broth. For a heartier texture, reduce the amount of broth.

Substitutions:

• You can substitute the dried herbs with fresh ones, adjusting the quantities based on your preference.
• Swap out the vegetable broth with chicken or beef broth if desired.
• Experiment with different types of beans, such as chickpeas or black beans, for a unique twist.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta or replace it with quinoa or rice.

What to serve with minestrone?

1. Dinner rolls or garlic bread: Serve warm dinner rolls or garlic bread alongside your minestrone. They are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
2. Bruschetta: Top crispy toasted bread slices with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a delightful accompaniment.
3. Baked potato or roasted sweet potatoes: Enjoy the heartiness of a baked potato or the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes alongside your minestrone.
4. Chopped or Caesar salad: A refreshing salad with crisp greens, vegetables, and your favorite dressing adds a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
5. Sandwiches: Grilled cheese, Italian paninis, or turkey sandwiches can be a satisfying choice to enjoy alongside a bowl of minestrone.
6. Seasonal vegetables: Steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus, provide a nutritious and flavorful side option.
7. Tortilla chips: For a fun twist, pair your minestrone soup with tortilla chips. Their crunch complements the texture of the soup. Source
8. Cheese: Sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, or even pimento cheese spread can be a tasty addition to your minestrone meal.
9. Homemade sausage: Serve some homemade sausage on the side for a hearty and satisfying addition to your minestrone meal.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I freeze Instant Pot Minestrone Soup? A: Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely and store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using an Instant Pot? A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Simply follow the same steps but use a large pot on the stovetop. Adjust the cooking time as needed until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.

Q: How long does Instant Pot Minestrone Soup stay fresh in the refrigerator? A: When properly stored in an airtight container, Instant Pot Minestrone Soup can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a hearty and nutritious meal. With the help of the Instant Pot, you can create a flavorful soup packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a fraction of the time it would take on the stove. The pressure cooking method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish.