This Vegetarian Minestrone Soup is an incredibly hearty soup, loaded with a variety of fresh veggies, protein-rich beans, and red lentil pasta. This vegan minestrone recipe is wholesome, extremely flavorful, and appropriate for various dietary needs.
¼teaspoonred chili flakes or more for added spicy flavor
½teaspoonbrown sugar
1 ½cupwhite beans
1can 15 oz red kidney beans
1cupgluten free noodles/pasta, i used red lentil fusilli pasta
2-3stalks fresh celery
2bay leaves
1 ½cupvegetable juice or good quality tomato juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
1or more cups of water depending on the consistency you like
2-3tablespooncooking oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat up a medium dutch oven or heavy bottom large pot over medium heat. Add oil and once it's hot saute celery, carrots, and onion. Season generously with salt and pepper. Saute 2-3 minutes and add garlic. Saute for 3 minutes more.
Follow with zucchini, Italian seasonings, red pepper flakes. Saute for 2 minutes.
Follow with red and white beans, crushed tomatoes, pasta, bay leaves, vegetable juice, veggie broth and water. Simmer for 8-10 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Stir in the fresh spinach and peas (or fresh green beans). Remove from heat and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serve as is or with fresh herbs like fresh rosemary or fresh basil, and parmesan cheese for the non vegetarian version or sprinkle on some nutritional yeast.