Are you looking for a delicious and hearty soup to warm you up on a cold winter night? Look no further than Zuppetta! This Italian-style soup is full of vegetables, herbs, and broth which make it both nutritious and flavorful. It’s also incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
Zuppetta is the perfect comfort food when you want something wholesome yet flavorful. It’s also great for entertaining since it can be served as an appetizer or main course. So, if you’re looking for something new to try, give Zuppetta a go!
If you want to learn how to make this delicious soup, read on to find out what ingredients you need and how to make it.
What Is Zuppetta?
Zuppetta is an Italian-style soup that is a hearty combination of vegetables, broth, and herbs. It’s also known as minestrone or vegetable soup in some areas of Italy.
The traditional recipe includes carrots, celery, onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and tomatoes. The vegetables are simmered in a broth with herbs to create an incredibly flavorful soup. It’s also often topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Where Did I First Try Zuppetta?
I first tried Zuppetta in Rome, Italy. I was visiting with a friend and we decided to take a culinary tour of the city. It was an incredible experience as we sampled all kinds of different Italian dishes.
One of the stops on our tour was at a small trattoria near the Colosseum. We were served Zuppetta, a delicious soup that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.
The soup was made from fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, bell peppers, and zucchini. These were simmered in a flavorful broth with herbs to create an incredibly vibrant soup.
It was topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley which added even more flavor. The soup was so delicious that I couldn’t stop eating it! It was the perfect combination of flavors and textures – a hearty yet light soup that was full of flavor.
I instantly fell in love with Zuppetta and knew that I had to recreate it at home. After doing some research, I found a recipe online and set to work making this delicious soup.
Then, I was able to share it with my family and friends who all enjoyed the soup just as much as I did. Even some of my picky eaters who weren’t so keen on vegetables enjoyed the soup.
This was thanks to the flavorful broth and herbs which gave the soup a delicious depth of flavor. It’s a great way to add some variety to your weekly meal plans!
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Ingredients
- Olive oil: Unlike the other Italian-style soups, Zuppetta is cooked with olive oil because it adds a subtle flavor to the soup and also helps the vegetables cook evenly.
- Garlic cloves: Garlic is a must in Italian cooking! It adds an extra layer of flavor to the soup that can’t be beaten.
- Carrots: Carrots are a great source of fiber and add a subtle sweetness to the soup.
- Celery stalks: Celery is a wonderful addition to Zuppetta as it adds crunch and flavor.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: The broth is essential for making the soup delicious! You can use either vegetable or chicken broth depending on your preference.
- Italian herbs: This is what makes the soup truly Italian! Oregano, basil, and parsley are all commonly used.
- Onion: Onions add flavor to the soup and also help thicken it up.
- Bell pepper: Bell peppers are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants and can give an extra kick of flavor to the soup.
- Zucchini: Zucchini is a great addition as it adds texture and flavor.
- Diced tomatoes: Tomatoes add sweetness to the soup and also help thicken it up.
- Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the soup.
- Pepper: Pepper adds a bit of spice and flavor to the soup.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: You can’t have Italian food without cheese! Grated Parmesan cheese is perfect for topping off the soup.
- Fresh parsley: This herb is great for garnishing the soup and adding even more flavor.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it is hot, add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2
Add the carrots, celery, onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are softened. Add the vegetable broth, tomatoes, herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3
Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Serve in bowls topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure to cook the vegetables in batches so that they don’t overcrowd the pot.
- If you want a thicker soup, try adding some beans or potatoes.
- If you’re looking for a vegan version, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for variety.
- Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
- You can substitute the vegetable broth with chicken or beef broth if you prefer.
- If you don’t have any Italian herbs, you can also use a combination of thyme, oregano, and basil instead.
- Dried oregano and basil leaves will also work as an alternative to fresh herbs.
- If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use cheddar or mozzarella as a substitute.
- Other vegetables like mushrooms, squash, and sweet potatoes can be added for flavor and texture.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can also use chopped basil leaves as a garnish.
Zuppetta Recipe
Equipment
- Spatula
- grater
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 zucchini
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it is hot, add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the carrots, celery, onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are softened. Add the vegetable broth, tomatoes, herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Serve in bowls topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the vegetables in batches so that they don’t overcrowd the pot.
- If you want a thicker soup, try adding some beans or potatoes.
- If you’re looking for a vegan version, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for variety.
- Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Nutrition Information
A single serving of Zuppetta contains approximately
- 200 calories,
- 8 grams of fat,
- 30 grams of carbohydrates, and
- 7 grams of protein.
How to Store Leftover Zuppetta?
If you have any leftover Zuppetta, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoyed within 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months. To reheat the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or warm it in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can enjoy Zuppetta as long as it is cooked through. However, they should consult their physician before eating any new dish.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, you can make Zuppetta vegan by replacing the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting the Parmesan cheese. Indeed, it’s a great way to enjoy this Italian soup without using any animal products.
What can I serve this with?
Zuppetta is a hearty soup that pairs well with crusty bread or crackers. You can also serve it with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak for an even heartier meal.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading this recipe on how to make Zuppetta! It’s a delicious Italian soup that is packed with flavor and nutrition. You can easily customize it to suit your individual tastes by adding extra vegetables, herbs, or spices.
Here you have it, a perfect Italian dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Give Zuppetta a try and you won’t be disappointed! Kindly share the recipe with your friends and family and have a wonderful time cooking together.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more