Hearty 13-bean Slow Cooker Minestrone Recipe

This Hearty 13-Bean Slow Cooker Minestrone Recipe Will Warm Your Soul

If you are looking for a soup that will warm you up from the inside out, this Hearty 13-Bean Slow Cooker Minestrone Recipe is just what you need. Packed with 13 different types of beans, this soup is not only delicious but also extremely nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried pinto beans
• 1 cup dried black beans
• 1 cup dried kidney beans
• 1 cup dried navy beans
• 1 cup dried red beans
• 1 cup dried garbanzo beans
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 cup dried split peas
• 1 cup dried lima beans
• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 1 cup dried cannellini beans
• 1 cup dried great northern beans
• 1 cup dried soybeans
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 yellow squash, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large slow cooker, combine all of the beans, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 5-6 hours, until the beans are tender.
3. Once the beans are cooked, use a potato masher to mash some of the beans to thicken the soup.
4. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

How to Prepare:

This Hearty 13-Bean Slow Cooker Minestrone Recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply gather all of the ingredients, combine them in a slow cooker, and let it cook for several hours. The slow cooking process allows all of the flavors to meld together, resulting in a hearty and delicious soup.

Preparation Time:

The total preparation time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes. However, the majority of the time is spent waiting for the soup to cook in the slow cooker. So, it’s the perfect recipe to throw together in the morning and come home to a delicious meal at the end of the day.

Servings:

This Hearty 13-Bean Slow Cooker Minestrone Recipe yields approximately 8 servings. It’s a great option for meal prep or for feeding a crowd.

Nutrition Facts:

Per Serving:

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 15g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 15g

Tips:

- For added flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the beans and vegetables in the slow cooker.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with additional vegetables or spices. It’s a great way to use up any vegetables that you have on hand.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

A: Yes, you can use canned beans for this recipe. However, keep in mind that the cooking time will be significantly reduced. You can simply add the canned beans to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours or on high heat for 1-2 hours.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: Absolutely! This Hearty 13-Bean Slow Cooker Minestrone Recipe freezes well. Simply transfer the cooled soup to airtight containers or freezer bags and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on any canned ingredients to ensure that they are gluten-free as well.

Enjoy this Hearty 13-Bean Slow Cooker Minestrone Recipe on a cold winter day or anytime you are in need of a comforting and nutritious meal. It’s a soup that will warm your soul and satisfy your hunger.