Instant Pot Minestrone! This hearty soup is packed with veggies, beans, and a touch of pesto, all simmered together in a rich tomato sauce. It’s topped with Parmesan cheese and best served with a side of crusty bread. This dish is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan with a few adjustments.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 carrots, chopped
- 4-5 celery stalks, chopped
- Half an onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Half a head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces) cannellini or navy beans
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (optional)
For the final touch:
- 1 cup uncooked bulgur
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Start Cooking: Place all the ingredients listed above (except for bulgur, parsley, and Parmesan) into your Instant Pot. Set it to the soup mode and let it cook for 30 minutes. Now’s a good time to relax!
- Release and Finish: Once done, use the quick release to let out the steam. Be careful, it might take a few minutes. Remove the bay leaves, stir in the bulgur, cover again, and let it sit for about 20 minutes to cook the bulgur. Add more water if it seems too thick.
- Serve: Dish it up and sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal like a boss!
Additional Tips:
- Slow Cooker Version: If you’re using a slow cooker, add all ingredients except the bulgur and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the bulgur in the last 30 minutes.
- Stovetop Method: For a stovetop version, sauté the carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and pesto until the veggies are soft. Then add the beans, spices, liquids, and cabbage and let it simmer for about an hour. Stir in the bulgur towards the end.
- Flavor Tip: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor, but you can also use bacon for a similar effect. Just remember, bacon will add more grease.
- Substitutions: Traditional minestrone uses pasta, but bulgur is a great substitute for a nuttier texture and extra nutrition. If you don’t have marinara sauce, try diced tomatoes but remember to adjust the seasoning.
This recipe is not only delicious but also keeps well, although it’s best not to freeze it as it can become mushy when reheated. If you’re aiming for a vegan version, opt for vegan pesto. Enjoy crafting this comforting bowl of minestrone!
