If you're looking for a healthy and delicious meal that can be made easily in a slow cooker, then you need to try vegetarian minestrone! This hearty soup is packed with vegetables and flavor, and it's perfect for chilly nights or as a side dish for dinner. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make a delicious and easy vegetarian minestrone in your slow cooker.
Ingredients (6-8 servings)
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* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, diced
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
* 2 stalks of celery, sliced
* 1 zucchini, sliced
* 4 cups vegetable broth
* 1 can of diced tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Pasta (such as small shells or ditalini) for serving
* Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
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1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the carrots, celery, and zucchini to the skillet, and stir to combine. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have started to soften.
3. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a slow cooker, and pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set the temperature to low. Cook for 6-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and falling apart.
5. Once the soup is ready, serve it hot with a side of pasta (such as small shells or ditalini). If desired, top with some grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Tips
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* For the best results, use fresh vegetables instead of canned or frozen ones.
* You can add other ingredients to the soup, such as beans, lentils, or even mushrooms, to make it more filling and satisfying.
* If you don't have a slow cooker, you can make this soup on the stove by boiling the vegetables in a pot until they are soft, then blending the soup with an immersion blender or transferring it to a regular blender.
Conclusion
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Vegetarian minestrone is a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for chilly nights or as a side dish for dinner. With this recipe, you can make a hearty and flavorful soup that's sure to satisfy your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, put them in the slow cooker, and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal!