Tuscan Minestrone Soup

Name: Tuscan Minestrone Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp Olive Oil; 1 lb Italian Sausage (Remove outer casing); 2 cups Yellow Onion (Chopped into small cubes), Approximately 2 Onions; 2 cups Carrots (Chopped into small cubes), Approximately 2 Carrots; 2 Cups Celery (Chopped into small cubes), Approximately 2 Stalks; 2 Tbsp minced Garlic, Approximately 2 -3 buds; 2 Cups chopped tomatoes, canned or sauce; 8 cups Stock (Vegetable, Chicken or Beef); 2 cups Shredded Cabbage (One inch pieces); 19 Oz Can of White Kidney Beans; 2 cups Green Beans (Chopped into one inch pieces); 1 Tsp Salt; 1 Tsp Pepper

Tim
Apr 7
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Tuscan-inspired, this hearty soup is a versatile delight that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a simple lunch. When paired with rustic bread, cheeses, and charcuterie, it transforms into a fulfilling main meal that captures the essence of Italy. This version will Season it Up to another level with the addition of Italian Sausage. Embrace the taste Tuscany in every spoonful.

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An amazing soup that will warm your soul

Country of Origin: Italy

Minestrone is one of the cornerstones of Italian cuisine, and may even be more widely dispersed and enjoyed throughout Italy than pasta. The soup was initially made from small things leftover from previous meals, combined so as not to waste perfectly good food.

Tuscan Minestrone Soup - A hearty version with Italian Sausage

Minestrone soup is a wonderfully versatile dish that can be prepared in countless ways, depending on the region, season, or even the cook’s personal taste. This version is a heartier take on the classic, designed to be filling enough to serve as a complete meal for many. It draws inspiration from the Tuscany region of Italy, where rustic, robust flavors and wholesome ingredients are central to the cuisine.

This soup works beautifully as both a comforting appetizer or a satisfying main course. It features a rich combination of proteins—such as beans or even sausage—and a generous mix of fresh, seasonal vegetables. The result is a thick, nourishing soup that warms you from the inside out. Whether you're serving it as a starter or the star of the meal, this Tuscan-style minestrone brings both comfort and substance to the table.

Tuscan Minestrone Soup Recipe Ingredients

The following is the list of ingredients you will need to make this amazing soup:

Italian Sausage brings savory richness – Sausage adds a deep, meaty umami that instantly boosts the soup’s base.
Yellow Onions - Cut into small cubes, will add a natural sweetness after you caramelize them in olive oil.
Celery - An aromatic base, gives a subtle but essential backbone of flavor.
Carrots - Loaded with Natural sweetness, carrots mellow out acidic or spicy components (like tomatoes or sausage) with their subtle sugary flavor.
Garlic is A flavor enhancer, it will naturally deepen and round out other flavors, almost like salt.
Tomatoes bring brightness, body, and balance to minestrone soup. They’re the heart of the broth—lifting all the vegetables and beans with their sweet-tart vibrancy.
Cabbage brings gentle sweetness, hearty texture, and earthy depth to minestrone soup. It's one of those low-key ingredients that doesn't shout but makes a big difference when it's there.
Broth is an additional flavor enhancer, Feel free to use either Vegetable, Chicken, Beef or home made broth.
Herbs - Season It Up with Bay leaves and Oregano to round out that savory earthy touch.
Hot peppers, Chili oil or Red pepper flakes. This is a personal touch to your preferred level of heat.
White Kidney Beans will help to naturally thicken the soup. Feel free to use other similar beans you might prefer.
Green Beans - These will add wonderful color and additional flavor and color.
Salt & Pepper - Add towards the end and Season It Up to taste.
Parmesan Cheese and Fresh Parsley Add chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese to your table and let your guests add their personal touch,

All of the fresh ingredients cut up and ready to go.

Key Steps in the cooking process of the Tuscan Minestrone Soup

This recipe comes together in just one pot. We recommend using a large Dutch oven or heavy pot (Volume capacity of at least 5 liters or 5 quarts) for best results. Detailed instructions are provided in the recipe card below, but here are some key steps to guide you through the cooking process:

Cook the meat first and then remove from Pan. This is a good time to drain off any fat from the meat. Add back more olive oil for the next step.

Sequentially cook Onions, Carrots, Celery and Garlic, ensure that you caramelize the onions.

Cook all vegetables, meat, tomato sauce, stock, herbs and beans to blend the flavors together

Alternatives to the Suggested Ingredients

This recipe is very forgiving and provides you with a lot of flexibility to replace and even omit some ingredients. Have fun with it and make it your own. Please see the Recipe Card for Instructions on Alternative Ingredients.

Tuscan Minestrone Soup - Vegetarian Option

This recipe can be easily adapted for vegetarians by substituting the meat with an equal amount of vegetables and using vegetable stock instead of meat stock. Please see the Recipe Card for instructions on vegetarian options.

Tuscan Minestrone Soup Preparation, Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This recipe can be prepared well in advance and enjoyed as leftovers the next day. It is recommended that the Green vegetables be added close to the time of serving as they will retain their freshness and vibrant color.

This soup can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve it as an appetizer or starter alongside a hearty rustic bread.

For a stand-alone lunch or a complete meal, pair it with cheeses, charcuterie (cold cuts), pickles, olives, salad, and, of course, more rustic bread.