Today, I want to share with you an absolutely delicious and nutritious recipe for hearty 13-bean slow cooker minestrone soup. This soup is perfect for those cold winter days when you need something warm and comforting to nourish your body and soul. It is packed with a variety of beans, vegetables, and flavorful herbs, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
1. Begin by rinsing and sorting the 13-bean soup mix. Remove any debris or stones that you may find.
2. In a large slow cooker, combine the sorted beans, chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, chopped bell peppers, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution.
3. Add in the vegetable broth, dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, and basil), salt, and pepper. Give it another good stir to incorporate all the flavors.
4. Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook the soup for 8-10 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
6. Serve the hearty 13-bean slow cooker minestrone soup piping hot in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
How to Prepare:
Preparing this delicious minestrone soup is incredibly easy. All you need is a slow cooker to do all the work for you! Simply follow the instructions above and let the slow cooker work its magic. This recipe is perfect for busy individuals who don’t have the time to stand over a stove for hours.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this recipe is minimal. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to gather all the ingredients and get them into the slow cooker. After that, you can sit back and relax while the soup slowly cooks to perfection.
Servings:
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings of hearty 13-bean slow cooker minestrone soup.
Nutrition Facts:
One serving of this minestrone soup provides you with a healthy dose of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritionally balanced meal that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized. Here is a breakdown of the nutrition facts:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 12g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 14g
Tips:
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables. You can add zucchini, spinach, or any other veggies you enjoy.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more vegetable broth or water to the soup.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Consider making a big batch and enjoying it over a few days.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
A: Yes, you can use canned beans for this recipe. However, the cooking time will be significantly shorter. Simply drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them to the slow cooker. Cook the soup on low heat for about 2-3 hours, or until everything is heated through.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label them with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use other types of beans?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different bean varieties. You can use a mix of kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, or any other beans you enjoy.
I hope you enjoy this delicious and hearty 13-bean slow cooker minestrone soup recipe. It is the perfect dish to warm your body and soul during those cold winter months. Give it a try and savor the flavors of this comforting and nutritious soup. Happy cooking!
