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For this tasty soup, you need: - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, chopped - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 cup green beans, chopped - 1 cup kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni) - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) When making minestrone, fresh ingredients often taste better. Fresh veggies add crunch and bright flavors. However, canned items can save time. Use canned tomatoes for easy prep. Just be sure to pick those packed in juice, not syrup. It gives the soup a richer taste. You can add fun toppings to your soup. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a salty kick. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness. For a bit of spice, try red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, also brighten the dish. If you want to make it heartier, add cooked sausage or chicken. Enjoy mixing and matching toppings to suit your taste! To start, gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier. First, pour 2 cups of vegetable broth into the slow cooker. Next, add the can of diced tomatoes with the juices. Then, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. These veggies give the soup great flavor. After that, add the diced zucchini, chopped green beans, and kidney beans. Don’t forget to sprinkle in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top, and mix everything well. You can cook this soup on low or high heat. If you choose low heat, cook it for 6 to 8 hours. This slow method brings out more flavor. If you are short on time, use high heat. This will take about 3 to 4 hours. Both ways will taste delicious! About 30 minutes before you serve the soup, it’s time to add the pasta. Stir in 1 cup of small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni. If the soup seems too thick, add more broth. This helps the pasta cook well without sticking. When the pasta is tender, stir in the fresh spinach. Let it wilt for about 5 minutes. This adds color and nutrition to your soup. To make your minestrone extra tasty, use fresh herbs. Add basil and oregano right before serving. This keeps their bright taste. You can also try using homemade vegetable broth. It adds depth and flavor. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the soup, too. One mistake is not seasoning well. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper. Another issue is overcooking the vegetables. Add softer veggies like spinach at the end. This keeps them vibrant and fresh. Lastly, don’t forget to monitor the pasta. It can get mushy if cooked too long. You can change the vegetables based on what you have. Use squash, peas, or corn for variety. If you want more protein, add some lentils or chickpeas. To make it heartier, toss in cooked sausage or chicken. Lastly, try different pasta shapes for a fun twist. {{image_2}} You can change the veggies based on the season. In spring, try adding peas or asparagus. In summer, use bell peppers or corn for a fresh twist. Fall is perfect for squash or pumpkin. In winter, root vegetables like parsnips or turnips add great flavor. This soup is flexible, making it fun to explore new tastes. If you want to make your minestrone more filling, try adding lentils or chickpeas. These options are rich in protein and keep it vegetarian. You can also use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth for a more robust taste. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. Just sprinkle them in right before serving. To make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the pasta for gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. This keeps the meal light and tasty. If you are going low-carb, you can skip the pasta altogether. Adding more veggies, like cauliflower or mushrooms, gives you that hearty feel without the carbs. This way, you can enjoy a warm bowl of soup that suits your diet. To store leftover minestrone soup, let it cool first. Then, pour the soup into airtight containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top. This lets the soup expand as it freezes. Label the containers with the date. Place them in the fridge for up to four days. When you are ready to eat, reheat the soup on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring often. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also use the microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly. You can freeze minestrone soup for longer storage. Place it in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave space at the top for expansion. The soup can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned before. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty! Yes, you can skip the pasta if you want. The soup still tastes great. You might want to add more beans or veggies for texture. Try using quinoa or rice for a different twist. These options still fit well in the soup. To thicken your minestrone, you have a few choices. First, you can mash some of the beans in the soup. This adds body and creaminess. Another way is to add a little more vegetable broth and let it cook longer. You could also stir in a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. Pour it in, and let it cook until thickened. Serve the soup in deep bowls for a cozy feel. I love adding grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a rich, salty flavor. Drizzle a bit of olive oil for extra taste. Pair the soup with crusty bread for dipping. It's a warm, filling meal that everyone enjoys. Yes, you can add meat if you like. Cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef work well. Just add the meat when you add the vegetables. This will give the soup a heartier taste. If you add meat, make sure to adjust the seasoning to keep the flavor balanced. You can make a tasty minestrone in your slow cooker with ease. Remember to choose fresh or canned ingredients wisely for great flavor. Cooking times can change based on low or high heat, so keep an eye on it. Don't forget to customize and store your soup for later. By following these steps and tips, you’ll have a warm, hearty dish ready to enjoy at any time. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Slow Cooker Vegetable Minestrone

Warm up your kitchen with this heartwarming slow cooker vegetable minestrone! Packed with wholesome veggies, savory herbs, and a hint of olive oil, this simple recipe is perfect for cozy nights. Just set it and forget it for a delicious meal that’s ready when you are. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a bowl of comfort today! #SlowCookerRecipes #VegetableMinestrone #HealthyEating #ComfortFood
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Ingredients
  

2 cups vegetable broth

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 zucchini, diced

1 cup green beans, chopped

1 cup kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

In the slow cooker, add the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes along with their juices.

    Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery.

      Add the diced zucchini, chopped green beans, and kidney beans to the pot.

        Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and mix well.

          Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours, or high heat for 3-4 hours.

            About 30 minutes before serving, add the small pasta into the slow cooker and stir. If needed, add more broth to ensure the pasta cooks properly.

              When the pasta is tender, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 5 minutes.

                Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in deep bowls, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese on top and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness. Accompany with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.