Classic minestrone is a long-time favorite. My version doesn’t
use canned beans or deviate much from traditional recipes,
except in the reduced cooking time—thanks to the Instant
Pot®. Loaded with beans, fresh vegetables, and pasta, this
soup is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Soak the beans. In a large bowl, cover the kidney andnavy beans with 2 to 3 inches of cold water. Soak at roomtemperature for 8 hours, or overnight. Drain and rinse.
Pressure cook the beans. Pour 3 cups of water into theinner pot, and add the beans. Lock the lid into place. SelectPressure Cook or Manual, and adjust the pressure to Highand the time to 8 minutes. Make sure the steam release knobis in the Sealed position. After cooking, naturally release thepressure for 5 minutes, then quick release any remainingpressure. Unlock and remove the lid, Drain the beans, reserving 1 cup of bean water. Wipe the inner pot dry.
Sauté the vegetables. Select Sauté, and pour in the oil.Once hot, add the shallots and garlic and cook for 2 minutes.Add the zucchini, celery, carrot, and mushrooms, and Sautéfor 1 minute. Add the salt, 1 tsp of fresh basil, and thedried basil, oregano, and pepper. Stir to combine. Add the1 cup of bean water and the vegetable broth.
Pressure cook the vegetables. Lock the lid into place.Select Soup, and adjust the pressure to High and the timeto 20 minutes. Make sure the steam release knob is in theSealed position. After cooking, naturally release the pressure.Unlock and remove the lid.
Pressure cook the pasta. Add the pasta and the remaining 1 cup of water to the pot. Lock the lid into place. SelectPressure Cook or Manual, and adjust the pressure to Highand the time to 5 minutes. Make sure the steam release knobis in the Sealed position. After cooking, quick release thepressure.
Finish the soup. Unlock and remove the lid. Stir in theremaining fresh basil, and serve hot.
Notes
MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: Pasta is a staple in traditional Minestrone recipes, but if you follow a Gluten-free diet, you can opt for a rice pasta or skip it altogether.