Minestrone (Meatless)(Low In Fat, Crock-Pot Recipe)
A hearty, meatless minestrone packed with vegetables and herbs, perfect for wholesome, comforting meals suitable for vegetarians and those seeking a low-fat option.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 3 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 2 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery with tops, sliced ⓘ
- 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 package (10 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vermicelli or elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 can (16 oz.) kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 zucchini, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the crock-pot except zucchini.
- Stir to mix thoroughly.
- Cover and cook on low for 10 to 16 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours.
- During the last hour, add the sliced zucchini.
- Turn the crock-pot to high and cook for an additional 1 hour.
- Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, sauté the onion, garlic, and carrots before adding them to the crock-pot. You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to keep it entirely meatless. If you don't have vermicelli, elbow macaroni works well; just adjust cooking time accordingly. Feel free to include other vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or green beans, to enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty minestrone with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds richness and flavor. This soup is perfect for lunch or dinner and pairs beautifully with Cavatelli With Chicken And Broccoli. Consider adding a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in individual portions or warm on the stovetop over low heat. You can add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Minestrone (Meatless)(Low In Fat, Crock-Pot Recipe) contains roughly 703 calories, with 15g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (129% of the Daily Value), and iron (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1703mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this minestrone soup in advance?
Yes, this minestrone soup actually tastes better when made in advance. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits. You can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it before reheating. Just remember to add the zucchini during the last hour of cooking if you’re making it in the crock-pot.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you prefer a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you first combine the ingredients. Alternatively, you can serve the soup with a side of hot sauce for individual spice preferences. This will enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If kidney beans are not available, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, but they will all work well in the soup. Just ensure that the beans are rinsed and drained if they are canned.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).