How to Make Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup Recipe at Home
Are you a fan of Macs Old House? If so, look no further than Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup! This delicious and classic recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients like beans, vegetables, and pasta and requires minimal tools and prep work.
Mac’s Old House is known for making hearty and delicious soups, and this minestrone soup is no exception. I wanted you to be able to recreate the same savory flavors at home, so I have included a list of the ingredients you will need and what substitutions can be made if you don’t have access to some of the more unique ingredients.
Below, I’ve gathered all the tools you need to make Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup Recipe at home. Whether you are a long-time fan or want to try out this popular dish, this recipe will surely be a hit!
A Brief History of Mac’s Old House Restaurant
Mac’s Old House is a historic restaurant that has been a staple of the local community for many years. Mac’s Old House was started in 1925 in Contra Costa County by Floyd “Mac” McKinney. He later sold the restaurant and passed it over to today’s owner Gary and head chef Rick Cook.
They worked together to make Mac’s what it is today. They wanted to keep the tradition alive. Since Mac’s was hand-built by Floyd and his father, they wanted to keep it alive and revitalize it. And that’s precisely what they did!
Mac’s Old House is now an iconic restaurant that serves traditional family-style Italian food. Their atmosphere is known for being delightfully home-like and inviting. Their famous minestrone soup is a cult classic and is one of their most popular items during the fall season.
While their Minestrone soup may not be similar to other versions you’ve seen in the United States, know that it’s a secret family recipe. The recipe comes from Rick Cook’s family, who have been crafting their own special dishes.
Cooking Utensils Needed for Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup
Mac’s Old House Minestrone soup is super simple and can be prepared with just a few basic cooking utensils. You will need a large stockpot or Dutch oven, a sharp knife, and measuring spoons and cups.
Optional tools include a food processor, immersion blender, or ladle for pureeing the soup. However, these tools are not necessary for making Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup. I find that they can help save time and make the soup even more delicious!
Lastly, serving the soup using a rustic wooden bowl or mug can give it that added Mac’s Old House touch. The restaurant is focused on producing a warm and inviting touch, so I like to carry that into my home cooking.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup
Mac’s Old House has been around for many years and is known for their flavorful recipes. Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup is no exception – this recipe calls for various wholesome ingredients like beans, vegetables, and pasta.
Many of you may believe that it’s just a simple minestrone recipe. However, that’s far from the truth. The main difference between traditional minestrone and Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup is the addition of Mac’s secret ingredient – a savory blend of spices that gives this soup its unique flavor.
However, I was able to crack the code and find exactly what spices they use to make Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup.
To make Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup at home, you will need:
- 1/4 cup onion
- 1/4 cup celery
- 1/2 cup carrots
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 Tbs oil
- 1/2 head cabbage
- 8 cups water
- 4 cubes beef bullion
- 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce
- 1/4 tsp kitchen bouquet
- 1-16 oz can of refried beans
- 1-16 oz kidney or pinto beans
- 1 tbs parsley
- 1 pkg. vegetable soup mix
- 1/2 cup pasta
Simple substitutions for this recipe include using canned or frozen vegetables in place of fresh, using chicken stock instead of beef bullion, and using tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes for the spaghetti sauce. These substitutions will slightly alter the flavor of Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup, but it will still be delicious and full of traditional Italian flavor!
Whether you’re cooking Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup for a special occasion or just to enjoy during the fall season, I hope you enjoy this delicious recipe. And be sure to keep Mac’s Old House in mind for all of your family-style Italian food cravings!
Step By Step Guide For the Soup
If you want to make Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup at home, follow these simple steps:
1. Begin by prepping your vegetables by chopping the onion, celery, carrots, cabbage, and garlic.
2. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat up the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add in all of your chopped vegetables and saute for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the vegetables are softened and beginning to brown, add in 8 cups of water, 4 cubes of beef bullion, and 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Next, add in 1/4 tsp of kitchen bouquet and the pinto or kidney beans along with their liquid from the can. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. While your soup is simmering, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. To finish the Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup, stir in the parsley and vegetable soup mix.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with cooked pasta. Enjoy immediately while it’s still warm!
What Sides Pair Well With This Soup?
Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup is a hearty, filling dish that pairs well with many different side dishes. I personally like to take inspiration from Mac’s Old House menu. Some of my personal favorites include:
- Crusty bread or rolls for dipping in the soup
- Mixed green salad with your favorite dressing
- Garlic toast topped with grated Parmesan cheese
- Crispy French fries or potato wedges
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower
- Sandwich or panini with salami, mozzarella cheese, and roasted red peppers.
The soup is very hearty so that it can be enjoyed on its own without any extra sides. However, I love to pair Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup with some of my favorite flavors and textures to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
No matter what you choose to serve alongside Mac’s Old House Minestrone Soup, this comforting dish will surely be a hit with family and friends!
