Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

When it comes to hearty and comforting soups, few can match the deliciousness of a homemade slow cooker minestrone soup. Packed with vibrant vegetables, tender beans, and flavorful broth, this classic Italian dish is the perfect comfort food for any time of the year.

In this article, we will guide you through each step of creating a mouthwatering slow cooker minestrone soup that will fill your kitchen with tantalizing aromas and warm your soul.

Ingredients:

To create a delightful pot of slow cooker minestrone soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
• ½ cup small pasta (such as macaroni or ditalini)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and slightly translucent.
2. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Add carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, and green beans to the slow cooker.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
5. Add kidney beans, cannellini beans, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
7. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the chopped baby spinach and pasta. Stir to combine.
8. Once the pasta is al dente and the vegetables are tender, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Recipe Tips:

• For a deeper flavor, you can sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Feel free to customize your minestrone soup with additional vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the soup.
• To make it heartier, you can add cooked diced chicken or crumbled Italian sausage to the soup.

Substitutions:

• If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use chicken broth or water with bouillon cubes.
• Instead of dried herbs, you can use fresh herbs. Just double the amount since fresh herbs are milder in flavor.
• If you’re not a fan of kidney beans or cannellini beans, you can substitute them with other types of beans such as black beans or chickpeas.

FAQs:

Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker? Yes, absolutely! Simply follow the instructions but cook the soup in a large pot on medium-low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Can I freeze the leftovers? Minestrone soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I make this soup gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta altogether for a gluten-free option.

Q: What is “Minestrone in a Jar”? A: “Minestrone in a Jar” is a convenient and portable version of the classic Italian soup, where the ingredients of minestrone soup are layered and stored in a jar for easy preparation and storage.

Q: How do I make Minestrone in a Jar? A: To make Minestrone in a Jar, simply layer the dry ingredients of the soup, such as pasta, beans, vegetables, and seasonings, in a mason jar. When ready to enjoy, add the contents of the jar to a pot of boiling water or broth, cook until the ingredients are tender, and serve hot.

Q: Can I customize the ingredients in Minestrone in a Jar? A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the jar according to your preferences or dietary restrictions. You can add or omit vegetables, switch up the types of beans or pasta, and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.

Q: What is Weight Watchers Minestrone Soup? A: Weight Watchers Minestrone Soup is a variation of the traditional minestrone soup recipe that has been adapted to fit the Weight Watchers program. It is a low-calorie and healthy option that follows the guidelines and points system of the Weight Watchers program.

Q: How many Weight Watchers points does the soup have? A: The number of Weight Watchers points in the soup may vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. It is recommended to refer to a Weight Watchers recipe or calculator to determine the exact points value.

Q: What is Zucchini Crock Pot Soup? A: Zucchini Crock Pot Soup is a flavorful and comforting soup made with zucchini as the main ingredient. It is cooked in a slow cooker or crockpot, allowing the flavors to blend and intensify over time.

Q: How long does it take to cook Zucchini Crock Pot Soup? A: Cooking times may vary depending on the specific recipe, but generally, Zucchini Crock Pot Soup takes around 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat in a slow cooker or crockpot.

Q: What is Veggistrone Soup? A: Veggistrone Soup is a vegetarian version of the classic minestrone soup. It is packed with a variety of vegetables, beans, and aromatic herbs, making it a nutritious and flavorful option for vegetarians and vegans.

Q: Can I use different vegetables in Veggistrone Soup? A: Absolutely! Veggistrone Soup is highly customizable, and you can use a wide range of vegetables in the recipe. Some popular choices include carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, spinach, and bell peppers.

This versatile soup allows for endless customization, making it a family favorite and a go-to recipe for easy dinners or cozy gatherings. So dust off your slow cooker and let the magic unfold as you enjoy every spoonful of this delicious Italian classic.