Smoky Minestrone Soup

By Julia Howard, MPH, RHN

Smoky Minestrone Soup

If you’re looking for a chunky vegan soup that eats like a meal, check out this Smoky Minestrone Soup Recipe.

The key ingredient in this plant-based soup is smoked paprika. The smoky flavour may make you a little nostalgic for bbq season or even a trip to a faraway land. This soup will also make you toasty warm on a cold winter’s day and, without a doubt, FULL.

This soup is thick!

(Prep time is about 10 minutes. Cook time is about 25-30 minutes.)

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely sliced
  • 4 celery sticks, chopped into half moon shapes
  • 2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano  
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper flakes
  • 1 pinch of sea salt
  • 1 large zucchini, chopped
  • 1 large can (796mL) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 small can (156mL) tomato paste
  • 1 can (398mL) chickpeas, drained
  • 2 cups brown rice macaroni pasta (uncooked)
  • 1 carton (1L) veggie broth (I used Pacific Foods organic low sodium veggie broth)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley, coarsely chopped

Directions

In a large stockpot, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil on medium high heat. Add spices and cook lightly for a minute or two.

Next, add onions, carrots, and celery and stir to coat with spices. Sauté veggies for a few minutes until they start to soften.

Next, add zucchini, diced tomatoes, chickpeas, veggie broth, and tomato paste, stirring occasionally.

Once veggies have softened, add two cups of water and 2 cups of rice pasta macaroni (uncooked). Bring to boil on high heat and then turn down to simmer for a few minutes, until the pasta cooks.

Turn heat to low, add chopped parsley, and stir for a couple more minutes.

Spoon soup into a bowl and garnish with more parsley.

Enjoy!

~Julia 🥦

Want to make the shift to healthier eating? We offer nutrition coaching!

Julia Howard - Nutritionist

I am 62 years young and I started training with Jon in 2013. I originally came to join JKC as a recommendation from other family members that were onboard with Jon. Their enthusiasm for the gym experience was quite evident.  I was not to be outdone, so I decided to join as well. JKC, in my mind, certainly stands out from the crowd. I feel it’s a combination of the skill and passion the coaches have for their job and their clients. Each client is treated with the upmost respect and given time to explore their fitness journey without any pressure. JKC is certainly not a cookie cutter gym.The coaches customize your fitness program to suit your needs and your fitness level. This certainly makes sense because no two clients are alike.  This is where JKC excels! Jon, Thomas, and Craig keep the atmosphere at the gym light, but productive. A great combination that obviously works and makes the clients want to come back. Lastly, the camaraderie at the gym is everything. Meeting likeminded people who make you feel you are not alone in your fitness journey is everything.

I’ve been weight training on and off for years but never really had a specific goal or target in mind so routinely stalled out, plateaued or stopped training all together. Before I joined JKC I was definitely in a fitness slump and needed something to motivate me and get me back on track. I did a bit of digging online, looking at various personal training options and gyms around town but JKC seemed like the best option by far. I’ve tried big box gyms and other personal trainers in the past but none of them have had the perfect combination of goal specific fitness programming, welcoming and supportive environment, and the knowledge and passion to back it all up that you’ll find at JKC. Jon and Thomas are great to work with, they know how to motivate you if you’re having an off day and are well versed in all the different ways to make your muscles burn! I also have noticed some major improvements in my deadlifts since I started with JKC and was really happy with the result.

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