Hearty Garden Vegetable Minestrone
This Hearty Garden Vegetable Minestrone is a comforting and nutritious soup that brings together the vibrant flavors of seasonal vegetables and beans, all simmered in a rich vegetable broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s a nourishing dish that's easy to prepare using a slow cooker. Paired with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and warm, crusty garlic bread, this soup not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your soul. Enjoy a bowl of this wholesome soup and feel the love in every spoonful!
4
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 large (chopped)
celery
2 stalks (chopped)
carrots
2 (chopped)
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
vegetable broth
4 cups
diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can
mixed beans
1 (19 ounce) can (drained)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons
Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
basil pesto
1/4 cup
macaroni
2 cups
Instructions
1
In a large slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, celery, carrots, minced garlic, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, mixed beans, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
2
Stir the mixture gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
3
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Cook for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4
About 30 minutes before serving, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente, which should take about 7 minutes.
5
Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and stir it into the soup in the slow cooker. Allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes.
6
Just before serving, incorporate the basil pesto and adjust seasoning if needed.
7
Ladle the soup into bowls and generously top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with warm garlic bread for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
30g
Carbs
8.75g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Garden Vegetable Minestrone?
It is a comforting and nutritious soup featuring seasonal vegetables, beans, and a rich vegetable broth, typically prepared in a slow cooker.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What are the primary vegetables used in this soup?
The primary vegetables include onion, celery, carrots, and garlic.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 8.75g of protein.
Is this minestrone recipe low in fat?
Yes, it contains only 3g of fat per serving.
How much fiber does this soup contain?
There are 5g of fiber per serving in this recipe.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for a slow cooker.
How long should the soup cook in the slow cooker?
It should be cooked on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
What type of broth is used?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of vegetable broth.
What kind of beans are included?
The recipe uses one 19-ounce can of mixed beans, drained.
What pasta is used in this minestrone?
The recipe uses 2 cups of macaroni.
Do I cook the macaroni in the slow cooker?
No, you should cook the macaroni in a separate pot of salted water until al dente before adding it to the slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook the macaroni?
The macaroni takes about 7 minutes to cook until al dente.
When do I add the macaroni to the soup?
Stir the cooked and drained macaroni into the slow cooker about 5 minutes before serving to let it heat through.
What seasonings are used for the base flavor?
Italian seasoning and black pepper are used for the base flavors.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
What role does basil pesto play in the recipe?
Basil pesto is incorporated just before serving to add a fresh, vibrant finish to the soup.
How much tomato paste is used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Are the diced tomatoes canned or fresh?
The recipe specifies one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
What should I serve as a side dish with this soup?
It is recommended to serve this soup with warm, crusty garlic bread.
Is there a recommended topping for this soup?
Yes, generously top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese.
How should the carrots, celery, and onion be prepared?
The onion, celery, and carrots should all be chopped.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, vegetable-forward recipe with nutrient-dense ingredients.
What category of food does this fall into?
It falls under the categories of soup, comfort food, and Italian cuisine.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the soup?
Yes, you should adjust the seasoning if needed after incorporating the basil pesto right before serving.
What is the preparation for the mixed beans?
The mixed beans should be drained before being added to the slow cooker.