Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Tish's Note:

Posted in response to a request. This is a wonderfully hearty soup that is pretty close to Olive Garden's. We used to go there several times a month when I lived close and get the soup and bread sticks. Mmmmmm

• Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 10

Yield: 1.0 qty est ...

• 1 cup finely minced celery
• 1 cup finely minced onion
• 1 cup finely minced carrot
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup garbanzo beans
• ½ cup kidney bean
• ½ cup dried whole peas
• ½ cup white pea beans
• ¾ cup sliced carrot
• ¾ cup coarsely chopped onion
• ¾ cup sliced celery
• ¾ cup chopped bell pepper
• ½ cup rice or ½ cup barley
• 1 cup shell macaroni
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• pepper
• parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Slowly saute finely minced onion, celery and carrot in butter until very brown.
2. Add peas and beans and about 3 quarts of water.
3. Cook slowly until beans are almost done (check garbanzos- they will take the longest) about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
4. Add the remaining vegetables, rice and spices and more water if necessary and cook another hour.
5. About 20 minutes before serving time add the macaroni and more water if needed.
6. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve with crusty garlic bread.

Reviews

[Soupnut]

Wonderful Soup, great on a cold and windy day! Absolutely loved it, will definately make again. Thanks Tish!

[momof3nadog]

If you think this recipe isn't close to OG's then look up "Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup by Todd Wilbur" on this website. I think it is much closer to the original but Chef #1111125 would be a better judge . . .

[nsomniak6]

I made some changes to this recipe such as adding 2 Italian recipe cans diced tomatoes. I was surprised to see that there was no tomatoes and it made this recipe amazing! I also used vegetable broth instead of plain water. I omitted the rice and used canned beans (Chickpeas, light and dark kidney beans, and canned green beans.) I also added 1/2 tsp. thyme and was hesitant to use the soy sauce, but I added it and this has to have been the best minestrone I have ever tasted!