Description
Spring Minestrone Soup is a fresh, vibrant, and hearty vegan soup made with seasonal spring vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, kale, chickpeas, and ditalini pasta. It’s light yet filling, perfect for a cozy lunch or a light dinner during warmer months.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: for sautéing and adding richness
- 6–8 spring onions (white and light green parts), chopped: for a mild onion base
- 2 celery stalks, diced: adds crunch and depth
- 10–12 asparagus spears, chopped: provides a crisp, earthy bite
- 1 medium zucchini, diced: soft texture and mild flavor
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped: adds aromatic depth
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped: woody, citrusy flavor
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped: subtle earthy taste
- 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed: plant-based protein
- 100 g (3.5 oz) ditalini pasta: adds heartiness
- 1.5 liters (6 cups) vegetable stock: savory broth base
- Juice of ½ lemon: brightens the soup
- 100 g (3.5 oz) kale, stems removed, chopped: nutritious green
- Salt and pepper to taste: essential seasoning
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add spring onions and celery, cooking for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the asparagus and zucchini and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the garlic, rosemary, and thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chickpeas, ditalini pasta, and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in lemon juice and kale. Cover and simmer for 2–3 more minutes until the kale wilts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with optional extra lemon juice or crusty bread.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Add extra vegetable stock when reheating, as the pasta absorbs liquid over time.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this soup gluten-free.
- Leeks or Italian seasoning can be substituted for aromatics.
- Spinach or chard can be used instead of kale.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 378
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 623mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg