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Hearty Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Hearty Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup - Easy Comfort Food Recipes

I'm excited to share my go-to recipe for Hearty Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup. Why is this soup so incredible? 
Well, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s easy to prepare, and the slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully. This recipe warms not just the belly but also the soul.
There’s something magical about watching the ingredients transform into a velvety, rich soup right in your slow cooker. 
Each ingredient adds its own unique flair, and you'll find as you dive deeper into the preparation that this isn't just any soup. It's a bowl of comfort that nourishes and revitalizes.
Having spent years experimenting in my kitchen, I’ve learned the importance of using fresh and quality ingredients. 
When I first tackled minestrone, I discovered my unexpected love for the complex layers of flavor. So let’s dive into the heart of this recipe and uncover the beauty behind each ingredient.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 268
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 tablespoons Italian herb blend dried
  • 1 can cannellini (white kidney) beans 15 oz
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable bouillon base
  • 1 can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 15 oz
  • A pinch of crushed red chili flakes
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly minced garlic
  • 2 cups filtered water
  • A chunk of Parmesan cheese or a parmesan rind about 1 inch
  • 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices 28 oz
  • 1 cup chopped celery stalks
  • 1 1/2 cups finely diced yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons concentrated tomato puree
  • 4 cups low-fat vegetable broth
  • 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
  • 2 whole dried bay leaves
Add 20–25 Minutes Before Serving
  • 1 1/2 cups small dried pasta such as ditalini or elbows
  • 1 cup cubed zucchini
Add 5 Minutes Before Serving
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups rough-chopped baby spinach leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup frozen green bean pieces

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Base
  1. Begin by gathering your slow cooker. The first step is to load it up with the base ingredients. Add the drained cannellini beans, dark red kidney beans, Italian herbs, garlic, celery, onion, and carrots. Give it a good stir.
Step 2: Add the Liquids
  1. Next, pour in the vegetable broth, vegetable bouillon base, diced tomatoes with their juices, and the filtered water. This liquid will meld with the ingredients, allowing the flavors to evolve beautifully during cooking.
    Toss in the parmesan rind, bay leaves, and a pinch of crushed red chili flakes for that kick of heat.
Step 3: Set the Slow Cooker
  1. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you're in a bit more of a rush, you can set it on high for 3-4 hours. As you continue with your day, the magic happens.
Step 4: Add the Pasta and Zucchini
  1. About 20-25 minutes before serving, it’s time to add the pasta and zucchini. Not everyone likes mushy pasta, so this step ensures the pasta retains its bite. Stir it in and cover the cooker again.
Step 5: Final Touches
  1. When you're about to serve, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil, add the chopped spinach, and sprinkle in the smoked paprika.
    The spinach wilts beautifully and gives an added pop of color and nutrition to the dish. Give it a gentle stir to incorporate.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
  1. Finally, serve your hearty minestrone soup warm. Ladle it into bowls and, if you like, top it with more parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Cannellini Beans: Considered a staple in Italian cuisine, they are rich in protein and fiber.
  • Red Kidney Beans: These lend texture and robustness to the soup.
  • Garlic and Onion: These aromatics not only enhance flavor but also add health benefits like antioxidant properties.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adding a rind enhances umami flavors throughout the cooking process.
  • Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: They bring a smoky note that makes the soup feel hearty.
  • Vegetable Broth: Look for low-sodium options to control salt levels.