Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Cozy Up with Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup: A Hearty Italian Classic
When the weather turns cool, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a big bowl of soup. And if you’re looking for a flavorful, healthy, and easy soup to make, look no further than our Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup! This isn’t just any soup; it’s a vibrant celebration of Italian flavors, packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and a touch of pasta. The best part? It practically makes itself!
Minestrone, meaning “big soup” in Italian, is traditionally a thick vegetable soup with pasta or rice. It’s incredibly versatile – you can adapt it to use whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Our version is a delightful balance of classic flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless Cooking: Dump everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work! This is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and beans, this soup is a nutritional powerhouse.
- Flavorful & Satisfying: The combination of Italian herbs, tomatoes, and vegetables creates a truly delicious and comforting soup.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables.
Tips for the Best Minestrone:
- Vegetable Size: Chopping the vegetables into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the pasta during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil at the end adds a burst of freshness.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this hearty soup with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping, a side salad, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. It’s also fantastic reheated the next day – the flavors meld together even more beautifully!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different beans in this soup?
A: Absolutely! Great Northern beans, borlotti beans, or even chickpeas would work well.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian/vegan?
A: Yes! Simply ensure your stock is vegetable-based.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, but the pasta may become a bit soft upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the soup before adding the pasta, and then add the pasta when reheating.
Q: What if I don’t have all the vegetables listed?
A: Feel free to substitute with whatever you have on hand! Zucchini, kale, spinach, or other seasonal vegetables would all be delicious additions.
Q: Can I use diced tomatoes instead of crushed?
A: Yes, diced tomatoes will work, but the soup will have a slightly chunkier texture.
Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
- 6 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 cans (15 oz.) Italian Style diced tomatoes
- 1/2 large onion finely chopped
- 1 large stalk celery finely chopped
- 3 medium carrots sliced very thin or chopped very small
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups green beans chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 can (15 oz.) Cannellini beans drained and rinsed well
- 1 can (15 oz.) Red Kidney beans drained and rinsed well
- 1 small zucchini diced small
- 1 package (9 oz.) frozen spinach defrosted and squeezed dry
- 3/4 cup small pasta
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot or slow cooker, combine all ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
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