Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Submitted by TishT

"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"

 

• Ready In: 3hrs 20mins
• Ingredients: 20
• Yields: 1 qty estimated
• Serves: 10

ingredients

• 1 cup finely minced celery
• 1 cup finely minced onion
• 1 cup finely minced carrot
• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1⁄2 cup garbanzo beans
• 1⁄2 cup kidney bean
• 1⁄2 cup dried whole peas
• 1⁄2 cup white pea beans
• 3⁄4 cup sliced carrot
• 3⁄4 cup coarsely chopped onion
• 3⁄4 cup sliced celery
• 3⁄4 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1⁄2 cup rice or 1/2 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

[kacyn.fujii]

I was disappointed to see the old recipe was removed and links to here instead. Wanted to share the old recipe with you all in case you still want it: COPYCAT OLIVE GARDEN MINESTRONE SOUP BY TODD WILBUR READY IN: 45 mins SERVES: 8 INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup minced white onion (about 1 small onion) 1/2 cup chopped zucchini 1/2 cup frozen cut Italian cut green beans 1/4 cup minced celery (about 1/2 stalk) 4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves) 4 cups vegetable broth (Swanson is good *note ( Do not use chicken broth!*) 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained 2 (15 ounce) cans small white beans or 2 (15 ounce) cans great northern beans, drained 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes 1/2 cup carrot (julienned or shredded) 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 3 cups hot water 4 cups fresh Baby Spinach 1/2 cup small shell pasta DIRECTIONS Heat three tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Saute onion, celery, garlic, green beans, and zucchini in the oil for 5 minutes or until onions begin to turn translucent. Add vegetable broth to pot, plus drained tomatoes, beans, carrot, hot water, and spices. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 20 minutes. Add spinach leaves and pasta and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until desired consistency. Makes about eight 1 1/2 cup servings.

 

[Lilypop Y.]

This is NOT the original recipe. Lucky I wrote the original recipe down. For those that need it. Ingredients- 2 Tbs olive oil; 1 onion diced (1 cup); 1 celery diced; 1 carrot, peeled & diced; 1 zucchini, chopped; 2 tsp minced garlic; 14 oz can diced tomato; 32 oz vegetable stock; 1 bay leaf; 1 1/2 Tbs Italian seasoning; 2 Tbs tomato paste; 15 oz canned small white beans, rinsed drained; 15 oz canned kidney beans rinsed & drained; 1 cup green beans chopped; 1/2 cup small shell shaped pasta; Parsley for garnish. Instructions- 1.)Heat olive oil in stockpot. Add onions, celery, carrot, & garlic. Season w/salt. Cook 3-5 min. 2.)Add canned tomatoes, veggie broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning & Bay leaf. Bring to a boil then turn down to simmer. 3.)Add beans, green beans, zucchini & pasta. Simmer 15 min or until pasta & veggies are tender. Season with 1 tsp salt & pepper.

 

[Bradley M.]

Wheres the old recipe?? Way better than this one

 

[stephaniecall8]

What happened to the original recipe ??

 

[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 . . .