Warm up with a bowl of this hearty Minestrone with Gnocchi, a comforting twist on classic vegetable soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This easy recipe promises a satisfying meal for the whole family!
Seeking more delicious and healthy soup ideas? Don’t miss our delightful Vegetable Soup with Orzo for another quick and flavorful option.
Embracing Winter with Comforting Soups: The Minestrone with Gnocchi Experience
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures plummet, there’s a primal urge to retreat indoors, seeking warmth and comfort. For many, winter brings a desire to hunker down in a cozy home, a sanctuary from the biting cold and unpredictable weather. While some might find joy in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, others, like myself, prefer to find solace in simpler pleasures – chief among them, a steaming bowl of homemade soup.
The winter months, particularly in places like Utah with its snowy landscapes and freezing temperatures, can often feel challenging. Yet, even amidst the complaints about icy roads and the persistent chill, there’s a silver lining to be found. For me, that silver lining is the endless parade of delicious, warming soups that grace our dinner table. In fact, soup has become a non-negotiable part of our winter meal rotation, much to the delight of my family. My husband never minds, and my almost 7-year-old daughter would happily eat soup every single day if I were willing to cook it!
Why Minestrone with Gnocchi is Your New Winter Favorite
Minestrone, a classic Italian vegetable soup, is renowned for its versatility and wholesome goodness. It’s a canvas for seasonal vegetables, offering a fresh, vibrant flavor profile. Gnocchi, on the other hand, are soft, pillowy potato dumplings that bring an irresistible chewiness and satisfying heartiness to any dish. When these two culinary delights come together, magic happens. This Minestrone with Gnocchi isn’t just a soup; it’s a robust, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
What makes this particular combination so special? The traditional Minestrone base, brimming with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and kale, provides a wealth of nutrients and a spectrum of flavors. The broth, enriched with tomatoes and herbs, forms a savory foundation. The addition of gnocchi elevates the soup from a light starter to a substantial main course. These tender potato dumplings absorb the rich flavors of the broth, offering a delightfully chewy texture that makes each spoonful incredibly satisfying and deeply filling. It’s the kind of meal that truly nourishes the body and soul, leaving you feeling utterly content.
The Beauty of Simple, Wholesome Ingredients
One of the best aspects of this Minestrone with Gnocchi recipe is its reliance on simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. Let’s take a closer look at the stars of this show:
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation of flavor, used to sauté the aromatic vegetables.
- Celery, Carrots, and Onion (Mirepoix): This classic aromatic trio forms the flavor base of the soup, adding sweetness and depth as they soften.
- Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Essential for building robust flavor. Garlic provides warmth and pungency, while a dash of red pepper flakes adds a subtle, inviting heat.
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock & Water: The liquid base, chosen for richness (chicken stock) or to keep it vegetarian (vegetable stock).
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds tanginess, sweetness, and body to the broth.
- Fresh Rosemary: A fragrant herb that infuses the soup with its distinctive piney, slightly peppery notes, enhancing the Italian essence.
- Parmesan Rind (Optional): A secret weapon for deep, umami flavor. Simmering a parmesan rind in the broth adds an incredible richness and complexity that makes the soup truly sing.
- Kale: A nutritional powerhouse, kale wilts beautifully into the soup, adding a slightly bitter, earthy counterpoint and vibrant color.
- Gnocchi: The star of this elevated minestrone, providing soft, chewy bites that transform the soup into a hearty meal.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: The perfect finishing touch, adding a salty, savory flourish to each serving.
More Comforting Soup Recipes to Enjoy
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be spending your fair share of winter evenings wrapped up in a blanket, savoring a bowl of this incredible Minestrone with Gnocchi. But the world of comforting soups is vast and wonderful! Here are a few other beloved recipes that promise warmth and satisfaction:
- Hearty Homemade Beef Stew: A classic, rich and savory stew perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: A creamy, satisfying soup with tender chicken and nutty wild rice.
- Easy Crockpot Potato Soup: Hands-off comfort food at its best – a creamy, loaded potato soup made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
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Minestrone with Gnocchi
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 stalks of celery chopped
- 2 carrots peeled and chopped
- 1 small to medium onion chopped
- salt and pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- dash of red pepper flakes
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 3 cups water
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- 1 small parmesan rind optional
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 (16 oz) package gnocchi
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften, which typically takes about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 3 stalks of celery, 2 carrots, 1 small to medium onion, salt and pepper, 2 cloves garlic, dash of red pepper flakes
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and water. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), fresh rosemary sprig, and the parmesan rind, if you are using it for extra flavor. Season with a little more salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the chopped kale. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook until all the vegetables are very tender, about 15 minutes.3 cups chicken or vegetable stock, 3 cups water, 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, 1 small parmesan rind, 2 cups chopped kale
- Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook according to package directions, typically 3 to 5 minutes, or until they float to the top and are tender. Carefully remove and discard the rosemary sprig and the parmesan rind before serving.1 (16 oz) package gnocchi
- Ladle the hot Minestrone with Gnocchi into bowls. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. Enjoy this hearty and comforting meal!1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Recipe Notes:
Tips for the Perfect Minestrone with Gnocchi:
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap or add other vegetables you enjoy, such as zucchini, green beans, spinach, or bell peppers. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces and cook them to your desired tenderness.
- Add Protein: For an even more substantial meal, consider adding cooked Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
- Herb Power: While rosemary is fantastic, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for different flavor profiles. Add delicate herbs like basil in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Option: Easily make this soup vegan by using vegetable stock and omitting the parmesan rind and grated cheese. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor for vegans.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover Minestrone with Gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Keep in mind that gnocchi might soften further upon reheating, so if you plan on making a large batch for meal prep, you might consider cooking the gnocchi separately and adding it to individual servings.