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Winter Minestrone Soup with Butternut Squash and Kale

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Winter minestrone soup with butternut squash and kale is a warm, hearty dish full of seasonal vegetables, beans, pasta, and a savory tomato‑based broth—it’s comfort in a bowl that’s perfect for cold days.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 6‑8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 (15‑oz) can white beans (cannellini or navy), drained & rinsed
  • 1‑2 cups short pasta (like ditalini, small shells) — optional
  • 2 cups chopped kale (stems removed)
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery and sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the butternut squash, diced tomatoes (with juices), broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until the squash is tender, about 15–20 minutes.
  4. Add the white beans and pasta (if using). Continue to simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 8–10 more minutes.
  5. Stir in the chopped kale and cook just until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
  6. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan if desired, then serve hot.

Notes

  • To keep pasta from getting mushy in leftovers, cook it separately and only add it to each bowl when serving. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
  • Frozen cubed butternut squash can be used; add it a bit later in the cooking process if it’s frozen. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  • This soup freezes well—omit pasta or add fresh pasta when reheating. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/winter-minestrone-soup-with-butternut-squash-and-kale/