Savory Crockpot Minestrone: Hearty European Vegetable Soup

Minestrone Recipe

Overview:

Enjoy the heartiness of European cuisine with this delightful Minestrone soup. Perfect for cozy weeknights, this recipe combines a variety of vegetables, savory herbs, and pasta for a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. Adapted from a cherished church cookbook, this stovetop favorite has been transformed into a crockpot masterpiece, simplifying the cooking process while enhancing the taste. Let’s dive into the details!

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: Adjust as needed

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves Garlic
• 2 large Onions
• 1 Carrot
• 1 Celery rib
• 1 Zucchini
• 1 tsp Basil
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1 can Tomatoes
• 2 Chicken bouillon cubes
• 2 cups Water
• 2 cups Spinach
• 1 can Red kidney beans
• 1 cup Red wine
• 1/2 cup Macaroni
• 3/4 cup Rigatoni pasta
• Parmesan cheese, for topping
• Mozzarella cheese, for topping

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a non-stick pan, sauté the garlic, onion, carrot, celery, and zucchini until fragrant and slightly caramelized.

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2. Prepare Crockpot: Place the canned tomatoes, chicken bouillon cubes, water, spinach, red kidney beans, basil, oregano, and red wine into the crockpot. Set the crockpot to low heat.

3. Combine Ingredients: Stir the ingredients in the crockpot until well combined.

4. Add Sautéed Vegetables: Transfer the sautéed vegetables into the crockpot with the other ingredients. Mix well.

5. Cook on Low: Allow the soup to cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop.

6. Add Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked macaroni and rigatoni pasta into the crockpot. Stir gently to incorporate into the soup.

7. Increase Heat: Turn the crockpot to high heat for the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure the pasta is fully cooked and the soup is heated through.

8. Serve: Once the soup is ready, ladle it into individual bowls. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top for added flavor.

9. Customize: Allow each person to garnish their bowl with the desired amount of cheese according to their preference.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 228.9
• Fat: 6.6g
• Saturated Fat: 2.1g
• Cholesterol: 12mg
• Sodium: 456.6mg
• Carbohydrates: 31.1g
• Fiber: 7.3g
• Sugar: 4.8g
• Protein: 12.7g

Tips:

• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken bouillon cubes and water.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preference or what you have on hand.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your crockpot’s settings and your schedule. The longer the soup simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.
• Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• This soup freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep or leftovers.

Conclusion:

With its rich flavors and comforting aroma, this Minestrone soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a satisfying lunch option, its versatility and simplicity make it a standout dish. Embrace the warmth and goodness of homemade soup with this delightful recipe! 🍲