Minestrone Soup Near You

What Is a Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone soup is a thick Italian soup made with vegetables, and pasta or rice is usually added as well.

The choice of vegetables may vary but typical ingredients include:

• Beans
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Parmesan cheese
• Carrots
• Celery

In English, the word "minestrone" means a thick vegetable soup. It comes from the Italian word "minestra" which means "soup" or "minestrare" which means "to serve."

This soup is very popular in Italy though the exact combination of ingredients is not the same everywhere. Of course, the dish is also beloved here in the United States. It makes for a rich and healthy meal that is always welcome.

When was Minestrone soup invented?

The Minestrone soup has a long history that pre-dates even the Roman Empire.

Before the Latin tribes made their way to Rome, their choice of food was rather limited. In fact, they mostly had access to certain vegetables such as onions, garlic, carrots, and others.

Hence, a typical meal of the day was the so-called "pulte." This was a porridge consisting of spelt flour and vegetables cooked together in salt water.

Later on, when Rome conquered the whole of Italy in the 2nd century B.C. things changed drastically. That's because all sorts of foods and ingredients were now readily available. As roads and networking expanded, many products could be found in the capital.

And the result of that was a change in people's diets. Meats became a more present ingredient and a great option for the stock of soups.

In addition, the Greeks brought bread to the Romans and so spelt flour was no longer used in soups.

Still, since vegetables were healthy food, they continued to be regular ingredients in soups and other dishes.

Another interesting fact is that Marcus Apicius mentioned a dish similar to Minestrone soup in his cookbook "De Re Coquinaria." It was a soup called "polus" that people consumed circa 30 CE. Part of the ingredients included fava beans, onions, garlic, and different greens.

What's more, the Minestrone soup evolved with the times. And as Italians had different foods available to them, so they would update their recipes.

But that doesn't mean the rural origins of the Minestrone soup have been forgotten. In Italy, people still adhere to older traditions and the soup is associated with "cucina povera." This is a cooking style that translates to - poor kitchen.

Unlike "cucina nobile," the Minestrone soup is recognized as having rural roots rather than belonging to the nobles.

Are there any Minestrone soup variations?

Since there isn't a defined recipe for Minestrone soup, different variations of it can be made. This mainly depends on the choice of vegetables. Or the use of meats or lack thereof.

On that note, different vegetables are available depending on the region or time of year. Thus, there are regional variants of Minestrone soup in Italy and other places:

• Minestrone Alla Genovese - This version features pesto and is associated with the Liguria region in Italy.
• Minestrone Alla Milanese - This one includes cabbage, peas, cheese, and then some.
• Minestra - This is a version of the soup coming from Malta. It includes a tomato paste known as "kunserva", potatoes, and cauliflower, among other ingredients.
• Minestrone Alla Friulanaextra - This one is made with lard, pork, and others.
• Imbakbaka - This is a variant found in Lybia that consists of pasta, meat, Bzar spice, and more.

How many calories are in Minestrone soup?

A single can of 10.5 oz i.e. 586 g of prepared Minestrone soup contains around 200 calories. This includes 6 g of total fat and 5.9 mg of cholesterol. Or 9% and 1% of the daily value respectively (based on a 2000-calorie diet).

In addition, there are about 1490 mg of sodium (62%), 762 mg of potassium (21%), as well as 27 g of total carbohydrate (9%), and 10 g of protein (20%).

As for vitamins and minerals, we got 4% of vitamin C, 12% of iron, 8% of calcium, 10% of vitamin B, and 4% of magnesium.

Where can I find Minestrone soup near me?

Minestrone soup is available in restaurants all across America. And if you're looking to find some near you, the easiest way to do that is via Slice.

That being said, we also have a few specific places to recommend.

For those of you in Philly, a great restaurant where you can get Minestrone soup is Big Ben Pizza. Located on Rising Sun Ave, this renowned eatery is open 7 days a week. Plus, they're available for takeout and delivery. And you even save 5% on every online order through the Slice app.

Furthermore, if you happen to be in Las Vegas, you have to check out Albo Pizza. They're also open 7 days a week, and offer 5% off on all online orders with Slice. You can find them on Las Vegas Blvd S. Just remember to check their menu for available deals and coupons while you're at it.

And one more suggestion from us, we present you - Claudio Pizzeria. This extravagant restaurant in New York serves some outstanding Minestrone soup every day of the week. You can give them a visit at 598 10th Ave or order for pickup or delivery on Slice.

Of course, for any other city just check the listings on this page and you'll be able to get this delicious and healthy soup in no time.