A Family Affair: SolBe’s Cozy Winter Minestrone Soup

Welcome back to my kitchen blog! As the winter winds whistle and the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of soup to warm the soul. This week, we're excited to share a special recipe that will bring the family together in the kitchen - our Winter Minestrone Soup with Homemade Garlic Pita Chips!

The Magic of Minestrone

Minestrone, a classic Italian soup, is known for its versatility and heartiness. Our version takes a delightful winter twist, featuring seasonal veggies, passata for added richness, and a kid-friendly parsley exploration activity that's sure to get the little ones excited about cooking.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 cups spinach, chopped

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved

• 2 stalks celery, diced

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup pasta (your choice!)

• 1 cup passata (tomato puree)

• Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste

• Grated cheese (for topping)

• Fresh parsley (for topping and exploration)

For the Garlic Pita Chips:

• Pita bread, cut into triangles

• Olive oil

• Minced garlic

• Salt

Let's Cook:

1. Start the Soup: In a large pot, sauté carrots, green beans, and celery until they start to soften. Add the cubed potatoes and cook for a few more minutes.

2. Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the vegetable broth and passata. Bring to a boil, then add the white beans and pasta. Reduce to a simmer.

3. Season and Simmer: Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Let the soup simmer until the pasta is cooked and the potatoes are tender.

4. Final Touches: Right before serving, stir in the chopped spinach. Serve the soup hot, topped with grated cheese and fresh parsley.

For the Garlic Pita Chips:

1. Prepare the Pita Chips: Preheat your oven. Brush each pita triangle with olive oil mixed with minced garlic and a sprinkle of salt.

2. Bake to Perfection: Arrange the pita pieces on a baking sheet and bake until they are golden and crispy.

A Learning Experience for Kids

One of the highlights of this recipe is the parsley exploration activity. While the soup simmers, gather the kids and let them explore the parsley with all their senses – smelling its aroma, feeling its texture, and even tearing it up for the soup. It’s a great way to introduce them to new flavors and the joy of cooking.

With Love

This Winter Minestrone Soup is more than just a meal; it's a nourishing experience that brings the family together. The homemade garlic pita chips are the perfect crunchy accompaniment, making this dish a hit for those cozy winter evenings.

We hope this recipe brings as much warmth and joy to your home as it does to ours at SolbeMar. Happy cooking, and stay warm!