A warm and comforting bowl of Minestrone Soup is a timeless classic, and making it in a slow cooker simplifies the process while intensifying the flavors.
This hearty vegetable-based soup is packed with a rainbow of colorful ingredients, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. In this article, we’ll guide you through crafting a flavorful Slow-Cooker Vegetable Minestrone Soup that will fill your home with the aroma of Italian cuisine and warm your soul.
Ingredients
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
- 6 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Steps to Make
Step 1
- Place the diced carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, zucchini, and yellow squash in the slow cooker.
Step 2
- Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), drained kidney beans, and drained cannellini beans to the slow cooker.
Step 3
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are well covered.
Step 4
- Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 5
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the small pasta and green beans.
Step 6
- Once the pasta is cooked and the green beans are tender, your Slow-Cooker Vegetable Minestrone Soup is ready to serve.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, fresh basil leaves.
Conclusion
Slow-Cooker Vegetable Minestrone Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your home with minimal effort. The slow-cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a robust and satisfying soup that’s perfect for any time of the year.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! Minestrone soup is versatile, so feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand or prefer.
What can I substitute for the pasta in the soup?
You can use gluten-free pasta or omit it entirely for a lower-carb version.
How can I make this soup vegan?
Ensure that the vegetable broth and canned beans you use are vegan-friendly, and omit the Parmesan cheese garnish.
Can I freeze leftover Minestrone Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning?
Certainly! Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano can be added to taste.
