Name: Longevity Minestrone: 6 Hearty Reasons to Love It
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 2 medium onions (finely diced); 3 celery stalks (finely diced); 2 carrots (chopped into small pieces); 2 medium potatoes (chopped into small pieces); 6 garlic cloves (minced); 2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp chili flakes; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 1 1/2 cups cooked cannellini beans; 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas; 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz / 400 g); 5 cups low-sodium vegetable stock; 3 oz whole wheat small pasta; 1/4 cup nutritional yeast; 1/2 cup basil; 3 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped); sea salt flakes (to taste); freshly ground pepper (to taste)

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Longevity Minestrone is a delicious and nourishing soup inspired by the healthy eating habits found in the Blue Zones. This hearty Italian vegetable soup is loaded with cannellini beans, chickpeas, and an array of vibrant vegetables, making it not only comforting but also a nutrient-rich minestrone ideal for any lunch or dinner. The combination of whole wheat pasta and fresh greens creates a satisfying bowl that is both filling and healthy, perfect for those seeking longevity-boosting meals.

Why You’ll Love This Longevity Minestrone

This recipe for Longevity Minestrone comes with several benefits that make it a must-try. First, it’s a healthy minestrone packed with protein and fiber, which are essential for maintaining energy levels and promoting digestive health. Additionally, it incorporates various vegetables, making it a nutrient-rich minestrone that supports overall wellness. The use of beans provides a great source of plant-based protein, while the whole wheat pasta adds healthy carbohydrates. This traditional minestrone recipe is also versatile, allowing for gluten-free variations or easy modifications to suit your dietary needs. Moreover, it’s a fantastic option for meal prep, ensuring you have a comforting meal ready when needed. Overall, it’s the perfect example of a hearty vegetable soup that promises to warm your soul.

Ingredients for Longevity Minestrone

Gather these items:

1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions (finely diced)
3 celery stalks (finely diced)
2 carrots (chopped into small pieces)
2 medium potatoes (chopped into small pieces)
6 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp chili flakes
3 tbsp tomato paste
1 1/2 cups cooked cannellini beans
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz / 400 g)
5 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
3 oz whole wheat small pasta
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/2 cup basil
3 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped)
sea salt flakes (to taste)
freshly ground pepper (to taste)

How to Make Longevity Minestrone Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and onions, then cook for about 10 minutes, until slightly translucent.
Step 2: Add the celery, carrots, potatoes, garlic, oregano, chili flakes, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Mix well, then cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add the tomato paste, cannellini beans, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable stock, then mix well. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4: Add the pasta and nutritional yeast, then cook uncovered for a further 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Turn off the heat and add the basil and spinach. Stir until just wilted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then serve.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Longevity Minestrone

Keep these in mind:

Use any small whole wheat pasta for this recipe.
Feel free to add seasonal vegetables for variety.
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the greens.
Using low-sodium vegetable stock allows you to control the salt content better, essential for a low-calorie minestrone soup.

Best Ways to Serve Longevity Minestrone

There are many delightful ways to enjoy Longevity Minestrone. Serve it with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread to soak up the flavorful broth. You can also top it with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, enhancing the vegetarian minestrone for wellness. A drizzle of olive oil just before serving adds an extra layer of richness.

How to Store and Reheat Longevity Minestrone

For meal prep enthusiasts, this soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to three months, making it an excellent option for quick weeknight dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions About Longevity Minestrone

What’s the secret to perfect Longevity Minestrone?

The secret lies in using fresh, seasonal vegetables and allowing the soup to simmer long enough for the flavors to meld beautifully. This ensures a comfort food minestrone that is rich in flavor and nutrients.

Can I make Longevity Minestrone ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to deepen. It’s a great easy minestrone soup recipe for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and nutritious ready to go.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Longevity Minestrone?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure you don’t overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy. Additionally, adding the greens at the end ensures they remain vibrant and retain their nutrients, making this a truly immune-boosting minestrone soup.

Variations of Longevity Minestrone You Can Try

Here are some creative variations:

Swap out cannellini beans for lentils to create a different protein source.
Add seasonal greens like kale or Swiss chard to enhance the nutrient profile.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta altogether and increase the veggies.
Incorporate different spices such as cumin or coriander for a unique flavor twist.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes, or try making Creamy Potato Soup or Italian Sausage and Peppers for a hearty meal. You can also learn about the health benefits of beans here.