Slow-Cooker Minestrone

 

Slow-Cooker Minestrone

This hearty, vegetable-packed soup is ideal for a sluggish cooker. It’s vegetarian, nutritious, and clean to put together. You can personalize it together with your preferred greens or grains.

Ingredients (serves 6–eight)

Vegetables & aromatics:

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 medium onion, chopped

three cloves garlic, minced

1 zucchini, diced

1 cup green beans, reduce into 1-inch pieces

1 cup shredded cabbage (optional)

Canned & drinks:

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (15 oz.) cannellini beans, tired and rinsed

6 cups vegetable broth

2 cups water

2 tbsp tomato paste

Pasta & grains:

1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or shells)

Or 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa or farro for a gluten-loose alternative

Herbs & seasonings:

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/4 tsp beaten pink pepper flakes (non-obligatory)

Salt and black pepper to flavor

2 tbsp olive oil

 Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Grated Parmesan (elective)

Instructions

1. Prepare the gradual cooker:

Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, zucchini, inexperienced beans, cabbage (if using), diced tomatoes, beans, vegetable broth, water, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, and crimson pepper flakes to the gradual cooker.

2. Cook the soup:

Cover and prepare dinner on low for 6–eight hours or high for three–four hours until greens are gentle.

3. Add pasta or grains:

If using pasta, stir it in 20–25 minutes before serving and prepare dinner till soft. For quinoa or farro, upload 30–35 minutes earlier than serving.

4. Season:

Taste and alter salt and pepper. Add greater herbs if preferred.

5. Serve:

Ladle into bowls. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle fresh parsley or basil, and pinnacle with Parmesan if you want.

Tips & Variations

Depth of taste: Add a parmesan rind at the same time as cooking; cast off earlier than serving.

Freezing: Portion into hermetic packing containers; freezes for up to a few months.

Vegetable swaps: Use seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach.

Protein boost: Add lentils or extra beans rather than pasta for a thicker, protein-rich model.

Spice: Include chili flakes or a sprint of smoked paprika for warmth.

This gradual-cooker minestrone is easy to make ahead, comforting, and complete of vitamins. It’s perfect for cold days, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.