Best Easy Minestrone alla Milanese Recipe

Milan's hearty vegetable soup with rice instead of pasta, finished with Parmigiano. This vegetarian mediterranean dish is a fresh, healthy family dinner rich in fiber and vitamins.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 275 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #high fiber #family dinner
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Yellow onion 1 pieces
  • Carrot 2 pieces
  • Celery stalk 2 pieces
  • Zucchini 2 pieces
  • Yukon gold potato 1 pieces
  • Canned diced tomatoes 14 oz
  • Cannellini beans 15 oz
  • Fresh green beans 1 cup
  • Arborio rice 0.5 cup
  • Baby spinach 3 cups
  • Parmigiano Reggiano 0.5 cup
  • Extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
  • Vegetable broth 6 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Salt 1 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • Fresh parsley 0.25 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 48 g 70%
Protein 9 g 13%
Fat 5 g 17%
Serving size 340g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 7 minutes until softened and aromatic, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.

  2. 2

    Add zucchini and potato and cook for another 3 minutes, keeping the heat at medium to sweat the veggies without caramelizing them.

  3. 3

    Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, rinsed cannellini beans, chopped green beans, and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in Arborio rice, add salt and pepper, and continue to simmer gently for 18–20 minutes until the rice is just tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  5. 5

    Turn off the heat. Fold in baby spinach and chopped parsley; let the residual heat wilt the greens. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and garnish generously with Parmigiano Reggiano before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining ingredient in Minestrone alla Milanese is Arborio rice, which replaces pasta found in typical minestrone. This gives the soup a creamy body and unique Milanese character.
Q. How should I control the heat to avoid overcooking the vegetables?
Start by sautéing vegetables over medium heat to soften them without browning, and use a gentle simmer once broth is added. This heat control prevents the veggies from becoming mushy and keeps their flavor and texture vibrant.
Q. How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?
Add Arborio rice after simmering the vegetables so it does not overcook. Stir occasionally during simmering and check the rice near the end; it should be just tender, not overdone.
Q. How many calories and what is the macronutrient balance per serving?
Each serving is 340g and contains 275 kcal, with 48g carbs (70% of calories), 9g protein (13%), and 5g fat (17%). This makes the dish hearty yet balanced with a focus on wholesome carbohydrates and plant-based protein.
Q. Which ingredient gives the most flavor depth?
Aromatic vegetables such as onion, carrot, and celery create the flavor foundation, but Parmigiano Reggiano, added as a finishing touch, brings hearty umami notes that truly define the Milanese-style minestrone.
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