Minestrone

Minestrone is a thick soup of Italian cuisine made with vegetables, often with the addition of pasta or rice. Common ingredients include beans, onions, celery, carrots, stock, and tomatoes.

Origin

The term "minestrone" comes from the Italian "minestrare", meaning to serve or dish up. The soup has been a staple in the Italian diet since before the Roman Empire. The exact origins of minestrone soup are hard to pinpoint, but it is believed to have originated in the Roman Kingdom around the 2nd century BC.

Ingredients

Minestrone varies widely across Italy depending on the season and available ingredients. It can be vegetarian, contain meat, or contain a meat-based broth (such as chicken stock). Beans, onions, celery, carrots, stock, and tomatoes are often used, as well as potatoes, zucchini, broccoli, and green beans. Pasta or rice may also be added.

Preparation

Minestrone is typically made with whatever vegetables are in season. It is often cooked slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together. The soup is traditionally served with a sprinkling of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top.

Variations

There are many regional variations of minestrone. For example, in the region of Liguria, they typically use pesto as a key ingredient. In the region of Tuscany, they often add cabbage, white beans, and bacon.

In Popular Culture

Minestrone has been featured in many films and television shows, often as a symbol of home and comfort. It is also a popular dish in many Italian restaurants around the world.

See Also

• Italian cuisine
• Soup
• Pasta
• Rice
• Vegetables