ingredients needed
Ingredients Needed:
To make a hearty and flavorful Minestrone Soup in your crock pot, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium yellow squash, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing vegetables)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
step-by-step instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making this delicious Minestrone Soup in your crock pot. Follow these simple steps for a flavorful and hearty meal:
- Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by prepping all your vegetables. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and slice the carrots, chop the celery, and dice the zucchini and yellow squash. Trim and cut the green beans into 1-inch pieces. Set everything aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (Optional)
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. This step is optional but highly recommended for a richer taste.
- Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot
Transfer the sautéed vegetables (if you sautéed them) to the crock pot. Add the diced zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, cannellini beans, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together to combine.
- Step 4: Season the Soup
Now, it’s time to season the soup. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the crock pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the soup again to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Cook on Low
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook the soup on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours, but the longer, slower cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Step 6: Add Pasta and Spinach
About 30 minutes before the soup is done, add the small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni) and the chopped fresh spinach to the crock pot. Stir well to combine. Continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Step 8: Serve
Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf and ladle the Minestrone Soup into bowls. If desired, top each serving with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
tips for serving and storing
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Now that your Minestrone Soup is ready, here are some tips to help you serve it in the best way possible and store any leftovers for future meals:
- Serving Suggestions:
Minestrone Soup is a hearty dish on its own, but you can elevate the meal by serving it with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. You can also pair it with a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
If you’re looking to add a bit of richness, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over each bowl just before serving. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil can also add a fresh, vibrant touch to the soup.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider offering red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce on the side. And of course, don’t forget the grated Parmesan cheese! It adds a savory, umami flavor that complements the vegetables and broth beautifully.
- Storing Leftovers:
Minestrone Soup stores exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
If you plan to store the soup for longer, it freezes beautifully. Simply portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a little room for expansion. Label and date the containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Reheating Tips:
When reheating Minestrone Soup, especially if it contains pasta, you may notice that the pasta has absorbed some of the broth and become softer. If the soup seems too thick, simply add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up as you reheat it.
Reheat the soup gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. If you’re using a microwave, heat it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.