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’m 36 Years Old and started with JKC in 2013. In the past I’d often have motivated spurts of a gym routine but they would usually only last a month or so. It’s pretty easy to press the snooze button at 530 am when there’s no one waiting for you. The fact that the guys are always on time/prepared and motivated for your session adds a level of accountability to your shoulders to “get out of bed” and bring your best effort each time. From the pressure free trainers to the camaraderie that you create over time with the individuals you’re working out with, JKC is able to offer an experience many other gyms cannot.

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.

My original reason for joining JKC was to get some sage advice to help with my running. I had been looking for awhile, came across Jon, met for an assessment, and was quite happy with how that all went. Apart from the running specific strengthening and conditioning approaches, JKC is different from other gyms as I am a fan of the small group sessions where everyone has their own goals and individualized programs. As well, the run coaching is super. All the coaches go the extra mile to make sure you get the best out each training session. They are fantastic motivators! My favourite memory is deadlifting 330lbs. Making a lot of great friends and meeting some really cool people is pretty high up on that list, too.

I heard somewhere that achieving your health goals is determined largely by what you do in the kitchen. I am grateful to have found Julia who brought direction and accountability to this most important piece for me. Having Julia in my corner has brought me confidence and certainty that I am on my way to achieving my goals. I highly recommend her if you are serious about making a change and feeling better about your health.

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