15 Ways to Make Minestrone

The variety of the vegetables, two kinds of legumes, and the Italian trick of cooking a bit of parmesan rind in the soup for added flavor create a palate-pleasing minestrone miles beyond the bland bean-and-pasta version so often served. The soup is flexible too; add your favorite vegetables or use whatever is bountiful in your garden this harvest. This soup keeps frozen for up to 3 months.

Fresh, brightly colored vegetables add some welcome vibrancy to this comforting soup. Have fun with the noodle shape, or use any small pasta you have on hand. If you'd like, sprinkle each serving with freshly ground black pepper for a finishing touch.

This thick, classic Italian soup is packed with healthy veggies like fresh carrots, onion, garlic, and kale. And at only 219 calories, you can afford to have seconds.

A gentle simmer keeps the vegetables in the soup slightly firm, so they maintain their texture during freezing and reheating.

Salty bacon and hearty winter vegetables make for a unique minestrone recipe. 

Bursting with the goodness of seven vegetables.

In just over 30 minutes, you can make homemade Spaghetti Minestrone. This hearty soup can easily be made ahead of time. Just warm on the stove before serving on busy weeknights.

The Good News: This satisfying soup from David Bull is an excellent source of fiber.

Borlotti beans—the Italian variety of cranberry beans—can be ordered from www.ranchogordo.com, among other online retailers.

Chickpea and Sausage Minestrone satisfies the body and the soul—plus this comfort soup is ready in just 30 minutes.

Brothy and light, this is a perfect summer soup. A quick and easy pesto adorns each bowl for a burst of herbal freshness. In a pinch, you can use purchased pesto.

Use your favorite frozen greens in this soup, or substitute a bag of thoroughly washed fresh spinach.

This lovely soup is practically spring in a bowl. To make it heartier, scatter quartered cherry tomatoes and croutons on top. Snap peas often have a fibrous string that runs down the pod's straight side; to remove it, snap off the stem end and pull down sharply.

This hearty soup is chock-full of antioxidants and fiber from colorful veggies, beans, and dark leafy greens.

Bacon, celery, zucchini, garlic, and tomatoes come together in this classic soup recipe. Super easy and delicious, this is sure to make your go-to comfort food list.