Hearty Winter Vegetable Minestrone
Warm up during the cold winter months with this satisfying Hearty Winter Vegetable Minestrone. A delightful blend of spices, savory Italian sausage, and seasonal vegetables, this soup is a nourishing way to end your day. Simply prepare it in the morning and let it simmer all day long, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When you return home, add a burst of color and nutrients with fresh spinach that cooks in no time, creating a fulfilling dish that is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian Sausage
1 lb (uncooked, sliced)
Butternut Squash or Acorn Squash
2 1/4 cups (peeled, diced)
Potatoes
2 medium (peeled, diced)
Fennel Bulbs
2 medium (trimmed, sliced)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Kidney Beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Minced Garlic
2 teaspoons (prepared)
Italian Spices
1 teaspoon (mixed)
Chicken Broth
2 (14 ounce) cans (low sodium recommended)
Dry White Wine
1 cup (for deglazing)
Fresh Spinach
4 cups (washed, torn or chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your ingredients: Cut the Italian sausage, potatoes, and fennel into 1/2 inch slices.
2
In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until cooked through, then drain any excess fat.
3
In a large slow cooker, lay out the butternut or acorn squash, potatoes, fennel, chopped onion, kidney beans, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
4
Layer the cooked sausage on top of the vegetable mixture.
5
Pour the chicken broth and dry white wine over the top, ensuring everything is covered.
6
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Allow it to cook for 7-9 hours, letting the flavors blend together.
7
Approximately 10 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach, cover again, and let it cook until the spinach is wilted and tender.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Winter Vegetable Minestrone?
It is a satisfying, slow-cooked soup featuring Italian sausage, seasonal winter vegetables like squash and fennel, and kidney beans in a savory broth.
Is this a slow cooker recipe?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be prepared in a large slow cooker for a convenient, long-simmered meal.
How long does the soup need to cook?
The soup should be cooked on the low setting for 7 to 9 hours to allow the flavors to meld properly.
What type of squash is recommended?
You can use either 2 1/4 cups of peeled and diced butternut squash or acorn squash.
Do I need to cook the Italian sausage before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, you should brown the 1 lb of sliced sausage in a skillet and drain the excess fat before adding it to the slow cooker.
When should I add the fresh spinach?
Add the 4 cups of fresh spinach approximately 10 minutes before serving, allowing it to wilt and become tender.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the Italian sausage and substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What kind of beans are used in this minestrone?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained.
Is there alcohol in this soup?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of dry white wine, which is used to enhance the flavor of the broth.
Can I substitute the white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of additional chicken broth.
What size should the vegetables be cut?
The Italian sausage, potatoes, and fennel should be cut into roughly 1/2 inch slices or dice for even cooking.
How do I prepare the fennel bulbs?
Trim and slice two medium fennel bulbs before adding them to the slow cooker mixture.
What spices are needed for this soup?
You will need 1 teaspoon of mixed Italian spices and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal because it is packed with various nutrient-rich vegetables and lean protein.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe requires two 14-ounce cans of chicken broth; low sodium is recommended.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, though you should ensure it is thawed and well-drained, or add it slightly earlier than fresh spinach.
What is the correct way to layer the ingredients?
Place the squash, potatoes, fennel, onion, beans, and garlic at the bottom, then layer the cooked sausage on top before adding liquids.
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; Yukon Gold or Russet work well.
Can I cook this on high heat instead of low?
While low for 7-9 hours is best for flavor, you could cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you are short on time.
What should I do with the fennel trimmings?
The recipe specifies using trimmed and sliced bulbs; you can discard the stalks or save them for making homemade stock.
Does this soup contain any sugar?
Based on the ingredient list, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as a 'Hearty Winter' soup designed to be warm and satisfying during cold months.
Can I add other beans?
While kidney beans are traditional for this version, you could substitute them with cannellini or navy beans.
What kind of onion should I use?
One chopped yellow or white onion is standard for this type of savory soup.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes well in an airtight container for up to 3 months, though the texture of the potatoes may soften slightly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always verify that your sausage and broth brands are certified gluten-free.
How do I serve this soup?
It is delicious served hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I add pasta to this recipe?
While not included in the ingredients, you can stir in cooked small pasta like ditalini right before serving.
What makes this minestrone 'hearty'?
The combination of protein-rich sausage, kidney beans, and dense root vegetables like potatoes and squash makes it very filling.