Effortless Garden Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get that craving for something warm and comforting? Honestly, nothing beats a good soup, especially when it's chuck-it-in-a-pot easy.
My slow cooker vegetable soup is just the ticket packed with flavour and seriously simple. It's basically a hug in a bowl.
Brief Overview
This hearty vegetable soup recipe has its roots in simple, home style cooking. Traditionally it's a great way to use up the last of your garden harvest before the frost arrives.
It's super easy; prep takes about 20 minutes, and then the slow cooker does its thing. This recipe yields about 6-8 servings.
Main Benefits
This healthy slow cooker soup is packed with vitamins and fiber. It's perfect for a chilly evening or a light lunch, a proper "comfort food" moment.
What makes this recipe special is its flexibility; you can toss in whatever vegetables you have on hand it's like a culinary clean out-the-fridge!
What You'll Need for This Garden Vegetable Soup Slow Cooker Masterpiece
Right then, let's gather our bits and bobs. The beauty of this slow cooker vegetable barley soup is that you can adapt it to whatever is in your fridge! Here's what I usually use, but feel free to get creative.
Essential Ingredients
The base of the soup starts with the usual suspects: olive oil, onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. A good stock (vegetable, of course, if you want to keep it vegan slow cooker soup -friendly) is key, along with a tin of diced tomatoes.
Season liberally with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice wee kick, if you fancy it.
Veggie Goodness
Now, for the stars of the show: potatoes, green beans, corn, and cannellini beans. These add texture and heartiness to the soup.
Feel free to sub in other veggies like courgette, broccoli, or even spinach, if that's what you have.
Don't Forget the Finishing Touches
Once it's cooked, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens everything up. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of zing.
Right, let's get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing slow cooker vegetable soup . It's all about simple ingredients and minimal fuss, perfect for a busy week.
Honestly, you just bung it all in and let the slow cooker do its magic. It’s proper lush!
Main Ingredients: The Veggie Line-Up
Okay, here’s what you’ll need for a slow cooker vegetable soup recipe that feeds 6-8 hungry souls.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (about 15ml )
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced.
- 2 stalks Celery, chopped (roughly 1 cup)
- 2 medium Carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (if you like a bit of a kick!)
- Salt and Pepper to taste (don't be shy!)
- 6 cups Vegetable Broth (about 1.4 liters ) - the quality makes all the difference! A good stock gives depth.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained (about 411g )
- 2 medium Potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup Green Beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup Corn Kernels (fresh or frozen, whatever you've got!)
- 1 (15 oz) can Cannellini Beans, rinsed and drained (about 425g )
- 1/2 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley (for a lovely garnish)
For the best slow cooker vegetable soup , look for vibrant, firm vegetables. No one likes a soggy carrot! I once used slightly sad celery, and honestly, the soup was a bit "meh".
Learn from my mistakes, yeah?
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters
This easy soup recipes slow cooker relies on a few key spices. The thyme and rosemary give it that classic comforting flavour.
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth. If you're after that bit of spice, then that's for you.
If not, it's fine to leave out.
Want to amp it up? A bay leaf or a dash of Worcestershire sauce (if you're not making a vegan slow cooker soup ) will do the trick.
If you're missing an ingredient, a little mixed Italian herbs is a decent substitute. It all adds to a hearty vegetable soup recipe .
Equipment Needed: Simple as Pie
You really don't need much for this garden vegetable soup slow cooker creation.
- A Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger) - essential, obviously!
- A Cutting Board and Knife - for chopping those veggies
- Measuring Cups and Spoons - for accurate measurements
If you haven't got a proper measuring spoon, a teaspoon and a tablespoon from your cutlery draw will do, though. It's not a scientific experiment, just tasty vegetarian slow cooker recipes .
So, there you have it. Grab your ingredients, prep your veggies, and let's get cooking. I promise, this healthy slow cooker soup will be a winner!
Effortless Garden: Your Guide to Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
Fancy a bowl of something warming and healthy without slaving away in the kitchen? Then you’ve come to the right place.
This slow cooker vegetable soup is proper easy. Honestly, it practically makes itself! It is also one of my favorite vegetarian slow cooker recipes .
Prep Like a Pro
- Essential mise en place: Chop 1 large onion, 2 cloves garlic, 2 stalks celery, and 2 medium carrots. Peel and cube 2 medium potatoes. Trim and cut 1 cup green beans.
- Time saving organization tips: Chop all veggies the night before. Store in separate containers in the fridge. Then it's just a chuck-it-all-in situation in the morning.
- Safety reminders: Mind your fingers when chopping! Keep the knife sharp. A sharp knife is a safe knife, as my gran always said.
step-by-step to Soup Perfection
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan and sauté your onion, garlic, celery, and carrots for 5- 7 minutes until softened. This isn’t strictly necessary but it deepens the flavor.
- Transfer those lovely sautéed veggies to your slow cooker. Or, if you are feeling lazy, you can skip step 1 and throw the raw veggies straight in.
- Add 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling brave), salt, and pepper to taste.
- Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth and 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes .
- Add your potatoes, green beans, 1 cup corn kernels , and 1 (15 oz) can of drained cannellini beans .
- Cook on Low for 6- 8 hours or High for 3- 4 hours until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Season to taste and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.
That's it! You have your garden vegetable soup slow cooker ready for serving!
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Veggie Roast First: If you’ve got the time, roasting some of the vegetables (especially the carrots and onions) before adding them to the slow cooker will boost their sweetness and depth of flavour.
- Acid Boost: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end brightens the flavours.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Don't overfill the slow cooker or the soup won't cook evenly.
Seriously, this slow cooker vegetable soup recipe is a game changer. It's also one of the easy soup recipes slow cooker that you can try at home and adjust the veggies to your liking.
Give it a go and tell me what you think! Enjoy your hearty vegetable soup recipe !
Alright, so you've got your slow cooker vegetable soup bubbling away nicely. But before you dish it up, let's talk about making it even better! Honestly, it's the little things that make a difference, you know?
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Bowl
This isn't just any soup ; it's your masterpiece! Let's tweak it to perfection. We're talking about making it a proper "Sunday Lunch" vibe.
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!
Right, so presentation. It really matters, doesn't it? I always think, "How would Mary Berry plate this up?" A swirl of cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a hunk of crusty bread.
.. Oh my gosh, perfection! For a bit of posh, serve in warmed bowls to keep that goodness piping hot. And don't forget some proper butter for that bread.
Sides? A simple salad does the trick, or if you're feeling fancy, some grilled cheese dippers!
Storage Tips: Keep the Good Times Rolling
So, you've made a huge batch. What next? No worries, this hearty vegetable soup recipe keeps well. Pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezing? Absolutely! Just let it cool completely first. When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Give it a good stir to get the heat going everywhere.
Variations: Make it Your Own, Darling!
Honestly, that's the best part about easy soup recipes slow cooker they're so adaptable! Feeling adventurous? Chuck in some lentils for extra protein think slow cooker vegetable barley soup .
Or maybe you want to go all out vegan slow cooker soup ? Just double check your broth and leave out any dairy toppings.
And for a seasonal twist, swap out the veggies. Think butternut squash in autumn or asparagus in spring. Fancy a bit of spice? Jalapeno, for sure!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Spoonful
Let's be real, we all wanna know if what we're scoffing is good for us. This slow cooker vegetable soup is packed with vitamins and fibre.
We are talking about around 200-250 calories a serving, 8-10g of protein and a good chunk of fiber! It's basically a hug in a bowl and a healthy one at that! It is a great option if you are looking for healthy slow cooker soup .
So there you have it! Your slow cooker vegetable soup recipe is not just a recipe, it’s an experience! Now go forth and enjoy your delicious, veggie packed creation! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw meat in my slow cooker vegetable soup, or does it need to be cooked first?
While this recipe is for a vegetable soup, generally, it's best to brown meat before adding it to a slow cooker. This improves both the flavour and texture, as it's difficult to achieve that nice browned crust in a slow cooker alone. With this slow cooker vegetable soup recipe, however, there is no meat used.
How do I stop my slow cooker vegetable soup from being watery? I want a thicker broth!
If your soup is too watery, there are a few things you can try. First, remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can blend a cup or two of the soup and stir it back in, or add a slurry of cornstarch (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) towards the end of the cooking time to thicken it up nicely.
Just remember, a bit of patience is key - you don't want it turning into wallpaper paste!
What are some good veggies to add to my slow cooker vegetable soup to make it even more interesting?
The beauty of slow cooker vegetable soup is its versatility! Don't be afraid to experiment. Try adding some butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or even some chopped kale or spinach towards the end of cooking for a nutritional boost. Roasted red peppers would also add a lovely smoky flavour.
Just chuck 'em in and see what magic happens!
How long does leftover slow cooker vegetable soup last, and what's the best way to store it?
Leftover slow cooker vegetable soup will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Make sure it's cooled down completely before refrigerating. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, leave some headspace in the container as the soup will expand.
Can I make this slow cooker vegetable soup vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable to be vegan. Just ensure that you're using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. You can also double check that any canned beans you use are processed without any animal products. This hearty soup is perfect for plant based diets and tastes just as good!
I don't have a slow cooker. Can I still make this vegetable soup on the stovetop?
Yes, you can definitely make this soup on the stovetop! Sauté the aromatics (onion, garlic, celery, and carrots) in a large pot. Then, add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking, you'll have a delicious pot of soup in no time!
Effortless Garden Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 200-250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5-7g |
| Fiber | 8-10g |
