Autumn Minestrone Soup Recipe: A Hearty Seasonal Delight

Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!  As the crisp air of autumn rolls in, nothing warms the soup quite like a comforting bowl of homemade Autumn Minestrone Soup.  

This Autumn Minestrone Soup is a hearty and flavorful way to celebrate the season's best produce, blending and array of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta into one wholesome dish.  Packed with nutrients and bursting with rich, earthy flavors, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings or as a make-ahead meal.  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• Loaded with fall flavors:  This soup captures the essence of autumn with seasonal ingredients like sweet potatoes, kale, and carrots.  
• Customizable and nutrients:  Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins from the beans and vegetables, it's easy to swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.  
• Easy to make:  This one-pot wonder requires minimal prep and can be made on the stove top or in a slow cooker for hands-free cooking. 
• Perfect for meal prep:  It stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy weeks when you want a nourishing, homemade meal on hand. 

INGREDIENTS FOR AUTUMN MINESTRONE SOUP:

• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Onion, diced 
• 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
• 2 Carrots, peeled and diced 
• 2 Celery Stalks, diced
• 1 Zucchini, diced
• 1 cups Sweet Potato, peeled and diced
• 1 (28 oz) can or Crushed Tomatoes
• 4 cups Vegetable Stock
• 1 (15 oz) can of Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup Barley
• 2 cups Kale, stemmed and chopped 
• 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• Parmesan Cheese for Garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:  HOW TO MAKE AUTUMN MINESTRONE SOUP:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:  In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing  for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.  
2. Add the Vegetables:  Stir in the carrots, celery, zucchini, kale, and sweet potatoes.  Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften.  
3. Build the Base:  Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and Italian seasoning.  Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.  Let the soup cook for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.  
4. Add the Beans and Barley:  Stir in the beans and barley.  Continue cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes, until the barley is al dente.  
5. Serve and Enjoy:  Taste the soup for any seasoning you think it may need and make any adjustments.  Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.  

STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOGRAPHS:

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE PERFECT AUTUMN MINESTRONE SOUP:

• Make it Gluten-Free:  Use gluten-free pasta or omit it altogether and add more beans for extra protein.  
• Boost the Flavor:  Add a Parmesan rind while the soup simmers.  It infuses both with a rich, umami flavor.
• Meal Prep Tip:  The soup thickens as it sits due to the barley absorbing the broth.  If you're making it ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating.  
• Slow Cooker Option:  Add all the ingredients except the barley and kale to the slow cooker.  Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, then stir in the barley and the kale in the last 30 minutes. 

FAQs:

Can I freeze Autumn Minestrone Soup?

Yes!  Minestrone freezes well.  For best results, leave out the barley before freezing.  When you're ready to enjoy, thaw the soup and cook the barley before serving.  

What vegetables can I add?  

You can swap or add-in season vegetables like butternut squash, spinach, or even mushrooms.  This soup is highly versatile, so use what you have on hand.  

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely!  This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you skip the Parmesan cheese garnish.  

Autumn Minestrone Soup is a celebration of the season's vibrant vegetables, creating a wholesome and hearty dish that warms both body and soul.  Whether you're serving it as a weeknight dinner, a make-ahed lunch, or freezing for later, this soup is sure to become a fall favorite.  Enjoy the rich flavors of autumn in every spoonful, and feel free to customize it with your own seasonal finds!  

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all, 

~ The Kitchen Wife~