crock pot minestrone soup beans and grains

Author of this recipe: Jesse Heise

Slow-cooked minestrone with beans & grains in a crock pot. Hearty, flavorful, vegetarian, easy meal. Perfect for busy nights! #MinestroneSoup #CrockPotMeals

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Ingredients

• - **Canned Diced Tomatoes** - Freshly canned tomatoes provide the rich, savory flavor your minestrone needs.
• - **Low-Sodium Canned Tomatoes** - Ideal for a healthier version of this classic dish.
• - **Chopped Onion** - Adds a sweet and mellow flavor to your soup.
• - **Minced Garlic Cloves** - Increases the depth of flavor with its pungent aroma. Consider using dehydrated garlic if fresh cloves are not available.
• - **Carrot, Diced** - Provides natural sweetness and color.
• - **Celery, Chopped** - Adds a subtle, earthy taste.
• - **Canned Kidney Beans** - Canned for easy prep; soak overnight if using dried beans instead.
• - **Canned Cannellini Beans** - Large white beans that add creaminess to the soup.
• - **Dried Vermicelli or Angel Hair Pasta** - Soak in water before adding to ensure they soften properly during cooking.
• - **Farro, Rinse and Drain** - A versatile grain that adds a nutty flavor and texture.
• - **Quinoa, Rinse Before Cooking** - A quick-cooking grain with a mild taste and fluffy texture.
• - **Canned Diced Mushrooms** - Adds umami flavor and moisture to the soup.
• - **Ditalini Pasta** - Small tube-shaped pasta that works well in soups for an extra layer of texture.
• - **Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth** - A base ingredient that can be found pre-made or you can make your own with vegetables.
• - **Olive Oil** - For sautéing onions and garlic to start the flavor foundation.
• - **Italian Seasoning** - Enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering other ingredients. Use a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, etc., for authentic taste.
• - **Salt and Pepper** - To season as needed; use Kosher or sea salt for better flavor control.
• - **Parsley, Freshly Chopped** - For garnish and added freshness.
• - **Red Bell Pepper, Diced** - Adds a vibrant color and mild sweetness to the soup.
• *Keywords: Crock pot minestrone, beans, grains, crock pot recipes, healthy minestrone, minestrone ingredients, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, crock pot cooking.*

Steps

1. ### Crock Pot Minestrone Soup Beans and Grains Recipe
3. Minestrone soup is a hearty, flavorful Italian dish that's perfect for cold weather or any time you want to enjoy comforting, wholesome food. Making it in your crock pot ensures a delicious, slow-cooked meal with minimal effort. Follow these detailed steps to create a rich, satisfying minestrone soup full of beans and grains.
5. #### Ingredients:
6. - 2 tbsp olive oil
7. - 1 large onion, chopped (3 cups)
8. - 4 cloves garlic, minced
9. - 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (2 cups)
10. - 2 stalks celery, chopped (2 cups)
11. - 2 medium potatoes, diced (4 cups)
12. - 2 zucchinis, sliced (2 cups)
13. - 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
14. - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
15. - 1 cup Arborio rice or pearl barley
16. - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
17. - 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
18. - 3 bay leaves
19. - Salt and pepper to taste
20. - 2 tbsp dried oregano
21. - 2 tsp dried basil
22. - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
23. - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
25. #### Instructions:
27. 1. **Prepare Ingredients:**
28. - Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes.
29. - Slice the zucchinis.
30. - Rinse and drain the beans.
32. 2. **Sauté Vegetables:**
33. - In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
34. - Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
35. - Stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, and zucchinis. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until slightly softened.
37. 3. **Add Rice and Grains:**
38. - Stir in the Arborio rice or pearl barley. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to toast the grains.
39. - Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), bay leaves, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
41. 4. **Simmer:**
42. - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
44. 5. **Add Beans:**
45. - Stir in the cannellini beans and kidney beans. Cook for another 10-15 minutes.
47. 6. **Prepare Crock Pot:**
48. - Transfer all ingredients from the pot to your crock pot.
49. - Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the vegetables are very tender.
51. 7. **Seasoning and Serving:**
52. - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
53. - Remove bay leaves before serving.
54. - Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
56. #### Tips:
57. - Use a variety of beans to add more depth of flavor.
58. - For extra creaminess, blend 1/4 cup cornstarch with water and stir it in towards the end of cooking time.
59. - To save space, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze portions for later use.
61. By following these steps, you can enjoy a rich, satisfying crock pot minestrone soup beans and grains that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from its mix of vegetables, beans, and grains, making it an ideal choice for both family dinners and gatherings.
63. **Keywords:** Crock Pot Minestrone Soup, Beans and Grains, Italian Soup, Slow Cooker Minestrone, Hearty Vegetarian Soup

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