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Slow-Cooker Minestrone

This vegetarian slow cooker minestrone is made with tomatoes, white kidney beans, orzo, and plenty of vegetables for a delicious soup that's sure to satisfy!
Author: Diabetic Foodie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock, (preferably reduced sodium)
  • 28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes, (chopped)
  • 15 ounces white kidney beans, (rinsed and drained)
  • 2 carrots, (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 stalk celery, (chopped)
  • 1 cup onion, (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 2 cups cooked whole-wheat orzo, (about 2/3 cup dry)
  • 1 zucchini, (sliced in quarters lengthwise, then chopped)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, (stems removed and coarsely chopped)
  • 4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, (optional)
  • Basil sprigs for garnish, (optional)

Instructions

  • Combine the stock, tomatoes (with their liquid), beans, carrots, celery, onion, thyme, sage, bay leaves, and pepper in the slow cooker.
    3 cups vegetable or chicken stock, 28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes, 15 ounces white kidney beans, 2 carrots, 1 stalk celery, 1 cup onion, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried sage, 2 bay leaves, ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  • When the time is almost up, cook the orzo according to the directions on the package.
    2 cups cooked whole-wheat orzo
  • Once the orzo is ready, add it to the slow cooker along with the chopped zucchini and spinach. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes.
    1 zucchini, 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Remove the bay leaves, ladle into serving bowls, and sprinkle with cheese and basil if desired.
    4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, Basil sprigs for garnish

Notes

This recipe is for 8 servings of minestrone.
For a thinner minestrone, reduce the amount of orzo or add more stock.
To reduce the carbs, reduce or omit the orzo.
For gluten-free, omit the orzo or replace it with gluten-free small pasta.
Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Info Per Serving

Nutrition Facts
Slow-Cooker Minestrone
Amount per Serving
Calories
161
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.9
g
1
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.1
g
1
%
Trans Fat
 
0
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0
g
Cholesterol
 
112.5
mg
38
%
Sodium
 
371.4
mg
15
%
Potassium
 
544.4
mg
16
%
Carbohydrates
 
32.2
g
11
%
Fiber
 
7.7
g
31
%
Sugar
 
5.9
g
7
%
Protein
 
7.9
g
16
%
Vitamin A
 
0
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
0
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
0
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0
mg
0
%
Net carbs
 
24.5
g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.