Step 1 of 4

Cook the soffritto until it collapses

Warm the olive oil in a large pot over a medium-low heat and add the onion, carrot and celery with half a teaspoon of the salt. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until everything has softened and lost its raw edge. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

— This is the whole difference between a good minestrone and a bowl of vegetables in hot water. Fifteen minutes feels long, and it is the step that makes the soup taste like it simmered all afternoon.