Certainly, I’d be happy to provide you with a detailed recipe for Minestrone Soup, along with some historical context and information about its components. Let’s get started:
What is Minestrone Soup?
Minestrone is a hearty Italian soup known for its rich flavor and versatility. It’s a thick, vegetable-based soup that often includes pasta or rice. The ingredients can vary widely based on what’s in season and available, making it a popular choice for using up leftover vegetables.
Historical Background:
Minestrone has ancient origins, dating back to Roman times. The name “minestrone” itself comes from the Italian word “minestra,” meaning soup. It was traditionally a simple soup made with whatever vegetables were on hand, often served with a base of broth or water. Over the centuries, it evolved into the hearty, nutritious soup we know today.
Components of Minestrone Soup:
The components of Minestrone Soup can vary, but common ingredients include:
- Vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, zucchini)
- Beans (e.g., kidney beans, cannellini beans)
- Pasta or rice
- Broth or water
- Herbs and seasonings (e.g., basil, oregano, garlic)
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Steps to Prepare Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced celery
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cups diced zucchini
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (e.g., elbow macaroni)
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
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Preparation: Start by chopping all the vegetables and mincing the garlic.
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Slow Cooker Setup: Place the chopped vegetables, canned tomatoes (with their juices), cannellini beans, and minced garlic into your slow cooker.
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Seasoning: Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Broth: Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
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Cooking: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
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Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, add the small pasta to the slow cooker and stir well. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
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Serve: Ladle the hot Minestrone Soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
Total Time: Slow cooker Minestrone Soup typically takes 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Enjoy your homemade Minestrone Soup, a classic Italian dish that’s both delicious and nutritious!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for a typical serving of Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup. Please note that these values can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup (per serving, approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: 150-200 kcal
- Total Fat: 1-2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0-1 gram
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 600-800 milligrams (varies based on broth and salt added)
- Total Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 6-8 grams
- Sugars: 5-8 grams
- Protein: 5-8 grams
- Vitamin A: 60-80% of daily recommended intake
- Vitamin C: 20-30% of daily recommended intake
- Calcium: 8-10% of daily recommended intake
- Iron: 10-15% of daily recommended intake
Health Information:
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Low in Fat: Minestrone Soup is generally low in fat, especially if you use a low-sodium vegetable broth.
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High in Fiber: This soup is rich in dietary fiber due to the abundance of vegetables and beans. Fiber is beneficial for digestive health and can help you feel full and satisfied.
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Good Source of Vitamins: Minestrone Soup is a good source of vitamins, particularly vitamin A and vitamin C. These vitamins are essential for immune function, vision, and overall health.
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Protein and Iron: While not extremely high in protein, Minestrone Soup does contain some protein, primarily from beans. It also provides a moderate amount of iron, which is important for oxygen transport in the body.
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Low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol: This soup is naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it heart-healthy.
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Sodium Consideration: The sodium content can vary depending on the type of broth and salt added. If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium broth and use salt sparingly.
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Balanced Meal: Minestrone Soup can be a balanced meal on its own, offering a mix of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates.
It’s important to keep portion sizes in mind when considering the nutritional content. Additionally, you can customize the recipe to suit your dietary preferences and needs, such as using whole wheat pasta for added fiber or reducing the salt content for a lower-sodium option.
