Minestrone-Style Vegetable and Orzo Soup

As the cold winter months settle in, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup to warm both body and soul. Our best ever minestrone-style vegetable and orzo/risoni soup is the ultimate winter warmer, combining an array of hearty ingredients and robust flavours. This wholesome and nourishing dish is perfect for those seeking comfort in a bowl. Join us as we take you through the simple steps to create this delightful soup that will surely become a favourite in your household. Get ready to savor each spoonful and experience the comforting embrace of this delicious winter treat.

To make this incredibly nourishing and warm soup, you need:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 brown onion, finely diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced (including leaves)
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1.5 liters chicken stock
• 1 Parmesan rind
• 1 cup risoni
• 2 handfuls red lentils
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 2 cups silverbeet, white stems removed, chopped
• Sea salt, to taste
• Cracked black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan, for serving

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up.
2. Sauté the finely diced brown onion, diced carrot, and diced celery until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

1. Add the diced zucchini, drained and rinsed cannellini beans, and crushed tomatoes to the saucepan.
2. Pour in the chicken stock, ensuring all the vegetables are submerged.
3. Drop in the Parmesan rind for added depth of flavor.
4. Stir in the risoni, red lentils, chopped parsley, and silverbeet. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

1. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches a thick and delicious consistency.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Serve and Season

1. Remove the Parmesan rind from the soup, as its flavors have infused the broth.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls and season with sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
3. Sprinkle each serving generously with grated Parmesan, allowing it to melt and enhance the flavors further.

Indulge in the ultimate winter warmer with our best ever minestrone-style vegetable and risoni soup. This comforting and nourishing dish will satisfy your cravings and keep you cozy during the chilly months. With its robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, this soup is the perfect way to embrace the season and treat yourself to a bowl of goodness. Follow our simple steps to create a thick and delicious soup that will surely become a family favourite. So, grab a spoon, savour each spoonful, and let this delightful soup warm you from the inside

All images created by Sarah Bell from Our Nourishing Table.