The aroma of bubbling tomatoes, fresh basil, and hearty vegetables wafts through the air as your slow cooker works its magic. Picture a cozy evening, your favorite blanket wrapped around you, and a steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup waiting to warm you from the inside out.
This soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights or when you’re feeling under the weather. The rich flavors meld together over hours, creating a symphony of taste that begs for crusty bread on the side.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This slow cooker minestrone soup takes minimal prep time, making it easy for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with flavors from fresh vegetables and herbs, it’s like a party in your mouth.
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, ensuring your dinner table looks as good as it tastes.
- Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for using up whatever veggies you have lying around!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Vegetable Broth: Choose low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness; this forms the flavorful base of your soup.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes if you want an extra kick of flavor; they add depth to the soup.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add natural sweetness and crunch; chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Celery: Use crisp celery stalks to contribute a lovely texture and flavor to balance the sweetness of the carrots.
- Zucchini: Add chopped zucchini in the last hour of cooking to keep its texture intact and maintain its nutrients.
- Green Beans: Fresh or frozen green beans work well; they provide a delightful crunch and pop of color.
- Pasta: Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni are perfect for this soup; just add them towards the end to prevent mushiness.
- Italian Herbs: A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme enhances the flavor profile; feel free to adjust based on your preferences.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan on top before serving for an added layer of deliciousness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you get started, ensure all your ingredients are prepped—chop those veggies like you mean it! Grab your slow cooker and plug it in so it’s ready to go.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
Pour vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes into the slow cooker. Stir them together until well mixed—you want everything swimming happily together right from the start.
Step 3: Add Veggies
Toss in carrots, celery, green beans, and any other hardy vegetables you’ve chosen. Give everything a good stir so that every piece is coated with that glorious tomato broth.
Step 4: Season It Up
Sprinkle in your Italian herbs alongside salt and pepper according to taste. This is where things start to smell heavenly—don’t be surprised if you find yourself doing a little happy dance!
Step 5: Set It and Forget It
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for about six hours—or high if you’re short on time (around three hours). Don’t lift that lid too often; let those flavors mingle without interruption!
Step 6: Add Pasta & Zucchini
In the last hour of cooking, add chopped zucchini and pasta. Stir gently so they don’t sink down too much—this keeps everything beautifully textured.
Serving suggestion: Ladle into bowls and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your creation with some crusty bread or a side salad!
Now that you’ve mastered this recipe for Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup, get ready to impress family or friends—and maybe even save some leftovers for lunch!
You Must Know
- This delightful slow cooker minestrone soup is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl.
- Packed with vibrant vegetables and hearty beans, it’s the perfect comfort food for chilly nights.
- Plus, it practically cooks itself, so you can kick back and relax while it simmers away.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve optimal flavor and texture in your slow cooker minestrone soup, start by sautéing your onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This simple step enhances the overall taste. Then add your veggies and broth, allowing everything to meld beautifully as it cooks.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your slow cooker minestrone soup by swapping out vegetables based on what you have. Want more greens? Toss in some spinach or kale. Prefer a different protein? Add diced chicken or turkey for an extra boost!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover slow cooker minestrone soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply transfer to a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to keep that delicious flavor intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use low-sodium broth for better control over salt levels in your minestrone soup.
- Always taste before serving!
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley enhance flavors beautifully.
- Avoid overcooking vegetables; they should remain tender yet firm for maximum enjoyment.
I remember the first time I made slow cooker minestrone soup for my family. Their faces lit up like Christmas morning when they smelled it wafting through the house. It quickly became our go-to comfort food!
FAQs:
What ingredients are needed for Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup?
To make a delicious slow cooker minestrone soup, gather fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and zucchini. You will also need canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, kidney beans, and pasta. Herbs such as basil and oregano add flavor. Olive oil enhances the taste while salt and pepper season the soup to perfection. This combination of ingredients ensures a hearty and nutritious meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup?
Cooking slow cooker minestrone soup typically takes around 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty dish. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal waiting for you at dinner time. Just set your slow cooker in the morning, and enjoy a warm bowl of soup by evening.
Can I customize my Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup?
Absolutely! One of the best aspects of slow cooker minestrone soup is its versatility. You can add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, spinach or kale can be added for extra greens. You can also swap out kidney beans for cannellini beans or use different types of pasta. Feel free to experiment with spices too, allowing you to create your unique version of this comforting soup.
Is Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup healthy?
Yes, slow cooker minestrone soup is quite healthy! Packed with vegetables, protein-rich beans, and whole-grain pasta, it offers a balanced meal that’s low in fat and high in nutrients. Plus, making it in a slow cooker means you’re not using excess oil or unhealthy additives often found in store-bought soups. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to maintain a nutritious diet while enjoying delicious flavors.
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup:
In summary, slow cooker minestrone soup is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and hearty ingredients that makes for a nutritious meal option. With simple preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s perfect for families or anyone seeking comfort food without the fuss. By letting the slow cooker do the work, you can enjoy rich flavors that develop over time. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, this minestrone soup is sure to please everyone at the table!
Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low (or 3 hours on high)
- Total Time: 17 minute
- Yield: Approximately 6 bowls 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup, brimming with vibrant vegetables and rich flavors that soothe and satisfy.
Ingredients
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Combine Base Ingredients: Pour the vegetable broth and fire-roasted diced tomatoes into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- 2. Add Vegetables: Add chopped carrots, celery, and green beans to the slow cooker. Stir until all vegetables are coated in the broth.
- 3. Season It Up: Sprinkle in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences. Mix well.
- 4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 hours or high for about 3 hours.
- 5. Add Pasta & Zucchini: In the last hour of cooking, gently stir in the chopped zucchini and pasta. Cook until pasta is al dente.
- 6. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Customize your soup by adding different vegetables such as spinach or kale. For added protein, consider incorporating canned beans like kidney or cannellini beans.
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