Hearty Greens & Beans Slow Cooker Soup
This Hearty Greens & Beans Slow Cooker Soup is a delicious and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Adapted from a classic recipe featured in Fitness magazine in April 2009, this comforting soup is packed with wholesome ingredients like organic vegetable broth, protein-rich great northern beans, and plenty of fresh greens. The addition of brown rice provides a satisfying texture, making every spoonful feel substantial. With its balanced flavors of garlic, basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for garnish, this soup is both healthy and filling. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it's also an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Ideal for meal prep, this soup will warm you up on chilly days and keep you nourished throughout the week.
N/A
Servings
243
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable broth
3 (14 ounce) cans (none)
tomato puree
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
great northern beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
brown rice
1/2 cup (uncooked)
onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped (or use 4 for extra flavor))
fresh spinach or kale
8 cups (coarsely chopped)
parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
In a 4-quart slow cooker, combine the vegetable broth, tomato puree, rinsed great northern beans, uncooked brown rice, finely chopped onion, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and chopped garlic.
2
Stir the ingredients together until well combined. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
3
Cook on low for 5-7 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.
4
About 10 minutes before serving, stir in your choice of fresh spinach or coarsely chopped kale until just wilted.
5
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste before serving.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
40g
Carbs
11g
Protein
12g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Greens & Beans Slow Cooker Soup?
It is a nutritious meal packed with vegetable broth, protein-rich great northern beans, and fresh greens, perfect for busy weeknights.
How many calories are in this soup?
There are 243 calories per serving.
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, it uses vegetable broth and is categorized as a vegetarian-friendly meal.
What kind of beans are required?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of great northern beans, drained and rinsed.
Can I use kale or spinach?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either 8 cups of fresh spinach or coarsely chopped kale.
How long does it cook on low?
In a slow cooker, it takes 5 to 7 hours on the low setting.
How long does it cook on high?
On the high setting, the soup takes 2 to 3 hours to cook.
Does the rice need to be cooked before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, you should use 1/2 cup of uncooked brown rice.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains 11g of protein.
What is the fiber content of this soup?
This soup is high in fiber, with 12g per serving.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe suggests 2 chopped garlic cloves, or 4 for extra flavor.
When should I add the greens?
Add the spinach or kale about 10 minutes before serving until just wilted.
What size slow cooker is needed?
A 4-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep and keeps you nourished throughout the week.
How much vegetable broth is used?
The recipe requires 3 (14 ounce) cans of vegetable broth.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat does the soup contain?
The soup is low in fat, containing only 1g per serving.
What seasonings are used?
It is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
What type of tomato product is included?
One 15-ounce can of tomato puree is used in the base.
How should the soup be served?
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How much onion is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
Where was this recipe adapted from?
It was adapted from a classic recipe featured in Fitness magazine in April 2009.
Is this soup a healthy choice?
Yes, it is a healthy, filling soup that is an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
What garnish is recommended?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is recommended to taste.
Are the beans prepared in any specific way?
The great northern beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the slow cooker.
What provides the substantial texture in the soup?
The addition of brown rice provides a satisfying and substantial texture to every spoonful.
Is this soup good for cold weather?
Yes, it is a comforting meal designed to warm you up on chilly days.
Can I substitute the greens?
The recipe allows for a choice between fresh spinach or coarsely chopped kale.
How much dried basil do I need?
You will need 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Is the preparation process easy?
Yes, you simply combine most ingredients in the slow cooker and stir, making it a very easy process.