Hearty Crock Pot Vegetarian Minestrone Soup
This Hearty Crock Pot Vegetarian Minestrone Soup is a nourishing and flavorful dish that's perfect for cozy nights or meal prepping for the week. Filled with a rainbow of fresh vegetables, protein-packed beans, and wholesome barley, this soup is not only rich in taste but also packed with nutrients. Let your slow cooker do all the work while the aroma of simmering herbs and vegetables fills your kitchen. This recipe is a hit among vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, making it a wonderful meal to share with family and friends. Enjoy a warm bowl topped with your favorite grated cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable broth
6 cups (none)
carrots
2 (chopped)
onions
2 large (chopped)
celery ribs
3 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
zucchini
1 small (cubed)
fresh kale
1 handful (chopped)
barley
1/2 cup (dry)
chickpeas or white kidney beans
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (minced)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
crushed Italian tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
grated cheese
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by gathering all your ingredients and set your slow cooker to low.
2
In the slow cooker, add the vegetable broth, chopped carrots, onions, celery, minced garlic, cubed zucchini, chopped kale, dry barley, and drained chickpeas (or white kidney beans).
3
Next, stir in the crushed Italian tomatoes, minced parsley, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to combine all the flavors.
4
Cover the slow cooker and let the mixture cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the barley is cooked through.
5
Once done, serve the soup hot in bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired. Enjoy your hearty and comforting soup!
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
33.3g
Carbs
8.3g
Protein
6.7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Crock Pot Vegetarian Minestrone Soup?
It is a nourishing and flavorful dish filled with a rainbow of fresh vegetables, protein-packed beans, and wholesome barley.
How long does this soup cook in the slow cooker?
The soup should be cooked on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours.
Is this minestrone recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is a vegetarian recipe that uses vegetable broth and plant-based proteins.
Can I use white kidney beans instead of chickpeas?
Yes, you can use either one (14 1/2 ounce) can of chickpeas or white kidney beans.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What setting should I use on my crock pot?
You should set your slow cooker to the low heat setting.
What kind of grain is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry barley.
How much vegetable broth is required?
The recipe requires 6 cups of vegetable broth.
What vegetables are included in the soup?
The ingredients include carrots, onions, celery, garlic, zucchini, and fresh kale.
How many carrots and onions do I need?
You need 2 chopped carrots and 2 large chopped onions.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for meal prepping for the week.
What type of tomatoes are used?
One (28 ounce) can of crushed Italian tomatoes is used.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 8.3 grams of protein per serving.
How much fiber does this soup provide?
Each serving provides 6.7 grams of fiber.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with minced fresh parsley, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
How many celery ribs are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 chopped celery ribs.
What is the preparation for the zucchini?
One small zucchini should be cubed before adding it to the slow cooker.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the total fat content?
The soup contains 3.3 grams of fat per serving.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I add a garnish to this soup?
Yes, it is recommended to top the soup with your favorite grated cheese.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients listed.
How much carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 33.3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much kale is used?
One handful of chopped fresh kale is added to the mixture.
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
Tags include hearty, healthy, comfort food, and easy recipe.
Do I need to cook the barley before adding it?
No, you add the barley dry and it cooks in the broth.
How much fresh parsley is used?
One tablespoon of minced fresh parsley is used.
How much dried oregano is required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Is this soup popular with meat-eaters?
Yes, it is described as a hit among both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
How do I know when the soup is finished?
The soup is done when the vegetables are tender and the barley is fully cooked through.