Homemade Minestrone Soup
An easy slow cooker homemade minestrone soup that's a healthy and comforting meal, loaded with vegetables and beans. Easy to make gluten-free.
An easy slow cooker homemade minestrone soup that's a healthy and comforting meal, loaded with vegetables and beans. Easy to make gluten-free.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 leaves
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 medium onion (about 1 cup) diced
- 32 ounce carton (4 cups) low sodium vegetable broth
- shredded or grated parmesan cheese for serving
- 2 medium carrots (about 1 cup) chopped
- 2 stalks (about 1 cup) chopped
- 1 32 oz can diced tomatoes (i usually use fire-ro
- 2 medium zucchinis (around 1 1/2 cups) sliced into halves or quarters
- 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach chopped (optional)
- fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
- 1-2 cups water (only use as much as needed)
- 1/2 cup canned or cooked red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup canned or cooked cannellini beans (or great northe drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small shell dried pasta**(use gluten free if nece
- 1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (optional but adds
- Carbohydrate 3.0159508318527 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.106669791606803 g
- Fiber 0.646983318387919 g
- Protein 0.627730208005 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0280571249859854 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 (163g)
- Sodium 34.6256041598438 mg
- Sugar 2.36896751346478 g
- Trans Fat 0.0268631249855959 g
- Calories 13 calories
Step-by-step
- FOR THE SLOW COOKER VERSION: In a large 6 quart slow cooker, add carrots, celery, garlic, onions, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and bay leaves. Stir in vegetable broth and water (use less if you like it less watery) into slow cooker and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover with lid and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high 1-2 hours.
- 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in kidney beans, cannellini beans, zucchini, spinach and pasta and cook on HIGH until pasta is tender.
- Season with more salt and pepper as needed and stir in balsamic vinegar (if using) and serve warm with bread and top with parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley if desired.
- NOTE about pasta - If you plan to freeze this or serve the next day, leave out the pasta and cook on the side and then combine when you are ready to enjoy. This helps the pasta not get soggy.
- FOR THE STOVETOP VERSION: In a large heavy bottomed pot or dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add carrots, onion, celery, garlic, and onion and saute for about 4 minutes, or until vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the tomato paste, bay leaves, vegetable broth, water, zucchini and both of the beans.
- Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add pasta and spinach and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until pasta is tender or desired consistency is reached.
- Season with more salt and pepper as needed and stir in balsamic vinegar (if using) and serve warm with bread and top with parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley if desired.
A Weeknight Staple: My Go-To Homemade Minestrone Soup
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a marathon. My family loves hearty soups, and minestrone has become a real lifesaver. It's so versatile, adaptable to whatever vegetables I have on hand, and incredibly satisfying. Forget those expensive restaurant versions; this homemade recipe is far superior in taste and nutrition, and it’s surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.
The beauty of minestrone lies in its flexibility. This recipe allows you to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and what’s readily available. Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or even some chopped bell peppers for extra color and flavor. The same goes for the beans; different types will bring unique nuances to the soup. I often use a mix of kidney beans and cannellini beans, but black beans or chickpeas work wonderfully as well.
What truly sets this recipe apart is its adaptability to various cooking methods. I’ve included both slow cooker and stovetop versions, catering to different lifestyles and kitchen setups. The slow cooker version is perfect for those days when you want to set it and forget it. Throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a comforting, aromatic soup ready to be enjoyed. For a quicker weeknight meal, the stovetop instructions provide a delicious result in under an hour.
Beyond the Recipe: More Than Just a Meal
This minestrone soup is more than just a delicious meal; it's a family tradition in the making. The warmth of the soup, the shared meal around the table, these are the moments that bring us together. It’s a reminder to slow down, appreciate simple pleasures, and enjoy the process of cooking together. The aroma alone fills the house with a sense of homeliness and comfort. And the leftovers? Even better the next day! The flavors deepen, and it's a perfect packed lunch for busy days.
For those who are new to cooking or intimidated by complex recipes, this minestrone is the perfect starting point. It encourages experimentation and allows you to customize it to your palate. Don't be afraid to add a little extra this or a little less of that. Cooking should be fun and enjoyable, and this recipe is designed to make the experience stress-free and rewarding.
Beyond the nutritional benefits and the ease of preparation, this minestrone holds a special place in my heart. It's a dish that connects me to my family history, a reminder of simpler times and heartwarming traditions. It's not just a soup; it's a symbol of nourishment, comfort, and love – and what better gift can we offer our loved ones?
Serving Suggestions and Beyond
While this soup stands perfectly on its own, it's wonderful when paired with crusty bread for dipping, a side salad for extra freshness, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added richness. For those who prefer a spicier kick, a dash of red pepper flakes can add a nice warmth. If you're looking for a complete meal, a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream can lend a cooling counterpoint to the hearty vegetables and broth. The possibilities are endless, making this soup a culinary canvas for your creativity.
Whether you choose the slow cooker or stovetop version, I’m confident this homemade minestrone soup will become a favorite in your household. It's a testament to the fact that nourishing, delicious meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and enjoy the simple joy of creating a heartwarming meal for yourself and your loved ones.
