Crockpot Minestrone Soup

Crockpot Minestrone Soup embodies a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, presenting a refined take on a classic Italian dish. This effortless concoction showcases the beauty of seasonal vegetables, tender pasta, and a rich tomato broth, all slowly melded together to create a comforting yet sophisticated meal. The use of a slow cooker elevates this dish, allowing the ingredients to develop depth and complexity without demanding constant attention.

Why Make This Recipe

• Effortless Yet Elegant: The slow cooker does the work for you, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal with minimal effort.
• Minimal Ingredients: A handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients comes together to create a symphony of flavor.
• Impressive Flavor: Slow cooking enhances the natural sweetness of vegetables and the subtle bitterness of greens, resulting in a soup that bursts with sophistication.

Ingredients

Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced

Sauce

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (finely chopped)

How to Make Crockpot Minestrone Soup

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, stirring until fragrant and golden, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Tip: Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth to capture all the flavorful bits.
3. Layer the Ingredients: In the crockpot, combine the sautéed mixture with the carrots, celery, zucchini, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and cannellini beans.
4. Season and Cook: Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Set the crockpot on low and cook for 6–8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Add the Pasta: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the small pasta and cover to continue cooking until tender.
6. Finish and Garnish: Once ready, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped basil.

How to Serve Crockpot Minestrone Soup

For an elegant presentation, ladle the soup into warmed bowls, allowing the steam to rise invitingly. Garnish each bowl with a delicate dusting of Parmesan cheese and a vibrant sprinkle of fresh basil. Enhance the visual appeal further by drizzling a touch of high-quality olive oil over the top before serving.

How to Store Crockpot Minestrone Soup

To preserve the texture and flavor, allow the soup to cool entirely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens.

Tips to Make Crockpot Minestrone Soup

• Fresh Ingredients: Use seasonal vegetables for superior flavor and freshness.
• Pasta Alternatives: For gluten-free options, consider using quinoa or gluten-free pasta.
• Layering: Adding a dash of red wine to the broth can introduce a lovely layer of flavor.
• Herb Bouquet: Tying fresh herbs in cheesecloth can infuse the soup with aromatic oils while making removal easy.
• Garnishing: For a sophisticated touch, consider adding a swirl of pesto just before serving.

Variation

For an elevated twist, consider incorporating truffle oil for an earthy depth, or substitute the cannellini beans with lentils for a hearty variation. Additionally, you could serve the soup with a side of artisan bread for dipping.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used as a convenient substitute. Just add them in with the broth, but adjust cooking time accordingly as they may cook faster.

Is there a vegan alternative to the broth?

Absolutely! Use a high-quality vegetable broth to keep this dish entirely plant-based while maintaining depth of flavor.

How can I enhance the nutritional profile of this soup?

Consider adding kale or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking to boost both nutrition and vibrant color.

Conclusion

Crockpot Minestrone Soup elegantly marries simplicity with sophistication, making it the ideal dish for any occasion. Its versatility and ease of preparation allow you to enjoy gourmet flavors without extensive effort. We invite you to prepare this delightful soup, share your experiences, and let us know—how would you make this dish your own?

Crockpot Minestrone Soup

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• Author: chef-ava
• Total Time: 495 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and sophisticated slow-cooked Italian soup filled with seasonal vegetables, tender pasta, and a rich tomato broth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (finely chopped)

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Instructions

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, stirring until fragrant and golden, about 3–4 minutes.
2. In the crockpot, combine the sautéed mixture with the carrots, celery, zucchini, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and cannellini beans.
3. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Set the crockpot on low and cook for 6–8 hours.
4. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the small pasta and cover until tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped basil.

Notes

For a sophisticated presentation, garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and serve with artisan bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 480 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 5mg