Kamil Perry
Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian classic that is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste. It is traditionally made with seasonal vegetables, beans, and pasta in a tomato-based broth. While the soup is customisable, the type of cheese used is often consistent. So, what type of cheese should you put on minestrone soup?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese to sprinkle on top | Parmesan, pecorino Romano, or vegan cheese |
| Cheese to add while cooking | Parmesan rind |
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What You'll Learn
Grated Parmesan cheese
The minestrone soup itself is highly customisable, with no set recipe, so Parmesan cheese can be added to any variation. The soup typically includes vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery, beans, and tomatoes, and can be made with pasta or rice.
Parmesan cheese can be added to minestrone soup in different ways. Some recipes call for the addition of a Parmesan rind during the cooking process, which adds a strong cheese flavour to the soup. Grated Parmesan cheese is then added as a garnish, along with fresh herbs such as parsley, and red pepper flakes for heat.
The amount of grated Parmesan cheese added to each bowl of minestrone soup can vary, but a suggested serving is around 1-2 tablespoons. This garnish adds a salty, savoury note to the soup, enhancing the other ingredients.
For a vegan option, grated Parmesan cheese can be omitted or substituted with homemade vegan Parmesan.
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Parmesan cheese rind
To use the Parmesan cheese rind, cut it into a few smaller pieces and add them to the soup while it is simmering. The rind should be removed before serving. The soup can be served with grated or shaved Parmesan cheese on top. If you are using an instant pot, set it to sauté and add oil, then cook onion, celery, and carrots for 5-7 minutes or until softened. If using a slow cooker, sauté the vegetables on the 'sauté' setting and add the garlic for one minute, then add the tomato paste and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
If you are making the minestrone soup with pasta, add the Parmesan rind to the pot before boiling and then reduce to a simmer. If you are not using pasta, you can still add the Parmesan rind to the soup to infuse the broth with flavour. The rind can also be spread on slices of toasted baguette or Italian bread.
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Pecorino Romano cheese
Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It is one of Italy's oldest cheeses, with roots dating back to ancient Rome. The name "Pecorino" comes from the Italian word "pecora," meaning sheep. The cheese is perfect for grating or shaving over pasta, soups, salads, grilled vegetables, pizza, and flatbreads.
Pecorino Romano is an excellent choice for Minestrone soup, a hearty Italian vegetable soup with tomato broth and pasta or rice. The soup is typically made with seasonal vegetables, beans, and small pasta, though there is no set recipe as it is usually made with whatever vegetables are in season. Minestrone was traditionally made to use up leftover vegetables.
Pecorino Romano can be grated or shaved over Minestrone soup to add a salty, savory depth of flavor. The cheese's bold, salty flavor means a little goes a long way. The cheese rinds can also be added to the soup, as they contribute to the broth's delicious flavor.
The versatility of Pecorino Romano makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen. Its salty, savory taste can enhance the flavor of Minestrone soup, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a bold, cheesy finish.
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Vegan cheese alternatives
Minestrone soup is naturally vegan without the addition of cheese or a parmesan rind. However, if you are looking for vegan cheese alternatives to sprinkle on top of your soup, there are a few options.
Firstly, you could use nutritional yeast, which is a vegan cheese in powder form. It can be used in the same way as grated parmesan and sprinkled on top of the soup. Nutritional yeast has a strong, cheesy flavour and is a good source of vitamin B12, making it a popular choice for vegans.
Secondly, you could make or buy vegan parmesan. This can be made from plant-based ingredients and used in the same way as regular parmesan. You can also use other vegan cheeses, such as vegan pesto, or miso for a salty, savoury flavour.
Finally, you could try other vegan, umami-rich ingredients such as soy sauce or garlic powder to add a cheesy, savoury flavour to your soup.
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Freshly grated vs pre-grated cheese
Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian vegetable soup, often made with a tomato-based broth, seasonal vegetables, beans, and pasta or rice. It is a highly customizable dish, and toppings can vary according to preference.
A popular choice for sprinkling over minestrone soup is Parmesan cheese. When choosing a Parmesan cheese to sprinkle over your soup, you may consider freshly grated or pre-grated options. Here are some points to consider when deciding between the two:
Freshly Grated Cheese:
- Freshness and Taste: Freshly grated cheese will have a fresher, creamier, and possibly purer taste due to the absence of preservatives and additives.
- Melting: Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce. This is because it lacks anti-clumping agents, such as potato starch and natamycin, which are commonly found in pre-grated cheese.
- Cost: Grating your own cheese can be more cost-effective. An 8-ounce block of cheese yields more grated shreds than an 8-ounce bag of pre-grated cheese.
- Health: With fewer additives, freshly grated cheese is a healthier option.
Pre-Grated Cheese:
- Convenience: Pre-grated cheese is undoubtedly more convenient and saves time in the kitchen.
- Freshness: Some pre-grated options may be fresher than others. If you opt for pre-grated cheese, look for cheese that is grated onsite at your grocery store, as these options usually have fewer preservatives.
While Parmesan is a popular choice, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties according to your taste preferences. Additionally, if you are serving minestrone soup to vegan guests, skip the cheese and offer vegan pesto as a garnish instead.
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular choice of cheese to put on minestrone soup is Parmesan.
Yes, you could also sprinkle some grated pecorino Romano cheese on top of your minestrone soup.
Yes, if you don't add cheese, minestrone soup is vegan. You could also use vegan pesto instead of cheese.
If you want to add Parmesan cheese to your minestrone soup, you could add a rind from a wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano while the soup is simmering.
Minestrone soup usually includes beans, vegetables, and small pasta. You could also add potatoes, although some recipes don't include them.
