Slow Cooker Vegetarian Minestrone Recipe

Vegetarian minestrone soup is a hearty and nutritious dish, perfect for chilly days or when you crave a comforting bowl of goodness. This slow cooker version simplifies the process, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully as it cooks low and slow.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Vegetarian Minestrone Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)

How to Make Slow Cooker Vegetarian Minestrone Soup

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Transfer onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in chopped spinach and pasta. Cover and cook until pasta is tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

About the Main Ingredients

• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper provide a variety of textures and flavors.
• Beans: Kidney beans and cannellini beans add protein and substance to the soup.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes contribute acidity and richness to the broth.
• Herbs: Dried oregano, basil, and thyme enhance the Italian-inspired flavors of the minestrone.

Enjoy this slow cooker vegetarian minestrone soup for a satisfying meal that’s packed with wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors.