In the realm of delectable soups, Minestrone stands tall as a hearty and nourishing dish that embodies the epitome of comfort food. Originating from Italy, this delectable soup boasts a rich history dating back centuries. Typically prepared with a symphony of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, Minestrone showcases the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. This versatile soup welcomes customization, allowing home cooks to add their personal touch with a variety of ingredients, such as flavorful herbs, aromatic spices, and delectable meats. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore two tantalizing Minestrone soup recipes that will warm your soul and delight your taste buds.
**Recipe 1: Classic Minestrone Soup**
This classic Minestrone soup recipe embodies the essence of traditional Italian cooking. We embark on a culinary adventure, carefully selecting each ingredient to ensure a harmonious blend of flavors. Fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and onions, form the aromatic base of the soup. Hearty beans, including kidney beans and cannellini beans, add a delightful texture and boost of protein. The addition of diced tomatoes and petite diced tomatoes infuses a vibrant red hue and a burst of tangy sweetness. Pasta, the heart and soul of Minestrone, is represented by elbow macaroni, contributing a satisfying chewiness to each spoonful. Simmered in a flavorful broth, this classic Minestrone soup promises a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the heart of Italy.
**Recipe 2: Spruced-Up Slow-Cooker Minestrone Soup**
In this modern interpretation of Minestrone, we harness the convenience of a slow cooker to create a rich and flavorful soup with minimal effort. Aromatic vegetables, including carrots, celery, and onions, sautéed in olive oil, release their savory essence, forming the aromatic foundation of the soup. We introduce a medley of diced tomatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and tomato paste, adding layers of tangy sweetness and depth of flavor. Hearty cannellini beans and kidney beans lend a substantial texture and boost of protein. A delightful combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes imparts a vibrant blend of herbs and spices. Pasta, represented by small pasta such as ditalini or small shells, adds a delightful bite. Slowly simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth, this Spruced-Up Slow-Cooker Minestrone Soup promises a comforting and satisfying meal that is both convenient and bursting with flavor.
SLOW-COOKER MINESTRONE
There's nothing quite like the comfort of warm homemade soup, and it's even better when your slow cooker does most of the work for you! This slow-cooker minestrone is easy to put together but has all the flavor of a high-effort dish. -Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 6h50m
Yield 12 servings (4 quarts).
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Combine the first 13 ingredients in a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours or until vegetables are tender. Stir in beans, zucchini and pasta. Cook, covered, on high about 30 minutes longer, until pasta is tender. Discard bay leaves. If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese. Freeze option: Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add water if necessary.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 165 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 813mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 7g protein.
SLOW COOKER MINESTRONE SOUP
The best, classic easy homemade slow cooker minestrone soup recipe that's loaded with Italian flavors. Chock full of delicious beans and vegetables - it's comfort food at its best!
Provided by Abeer Rizvi
Categories Main Course
Time 4h40m
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- In a slow cooker, add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, parmesan cheese, vegetable broth, water, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, ginger, oregano, rosemary, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt and pepper.
- Cook on Low heat for 6-8 hours or High heat for 3-4 hours.
- Add red kidney beans, Northern beans, zucchini, pasta and cook on High heat for an additional 20- 25 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in the spinach, green beans and cook for an additional 10 minutes until cooked through. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 100 kcal, Carbohydrate 19 g, Protein 5 g, Fat 2 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 3 mg, Sodium 816 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 10 g, ServingSize 1 serving
HOMEMADE MINESTRONE SOUP (SLOW COOKER)
An easy to make, a minestrone soup recipe that tastes 1000 times better than the Olive Garden's version! My minestrone soup is loaded with good for you veggies, like spinach and zucchini. It's also protein packed with red kidney beans and great northern beans. You'll be full for hours from this healthy, nutritious soup!
Provided by Marzia
Categories Comfort Foods
Time 4h35m
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato pesto, parmesan rind, vegetable stock, water, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, oregano, rosemary, and bay leaves to a slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook on low heat 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.
- Add in red kidney beans, great northern beans, zucchini, and pasta and cook on high heat for an additional 20- 25 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir in the spinach and green beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through. Serve warm topped with parmesan cheese and garlic toasts.
SLOW-COOKER BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
Much of the work for this soup can be done in advance, and it keeps all day in the slow cooker. This can easily be doubled if you're feeding a crowd. Once you've tried it, try mixing it up-add save or savory with the thyme or replace it with nutmeg. For a vegan version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. -Jennifer Machado, Alta, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 6h30m
Yield 12 servings (3 quarts).
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; saute until tender, 4-5 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Transfer to a 6-qt. slow cooker. Add next 5 ingredients and 5 cups broth to slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low until vegetables are soft, 6-8 hours., Puree soup using an immersion blender. Or cool slightly and puree soup in batches in a blender; return to slow cooker. Stir in additional broth to reach desired consistency; heat through. If desired, top servings with sour cream. Freeze option: Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth if necessary.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 124 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 616mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
Tips:
- Use a variety of vegetables: The more vegetables you use, the more flavorful your soup will be. Some good options include carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, and spinach.
- Don't be afraid to use frozen vegetables: Frozen vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh vegetables, and they can save you time and money. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to your soup.
- Add some beans or lentils: Beans and lentils are a great way to add protein and fiber to your soup. They also help to thicken the soup and make it more filling.
- Use a good quality broth: The broth is the base of your soup, so it's important to use a good quality broth. Look for a broth that is low in sodium and has a rich flavor.
- Season your soup to taste: Once your soup is finished cooking, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs.
Conclusion:
Minestrone soup is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. This recipe for spruced-up slow-cooker minestrone soup is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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