Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting meal that practically cooks itself, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup recipe. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve relied on it after a long day. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that I can toss in all the ingredients, set it, and forget it. The rich aroma fills my home, making it feel warm and inviting. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and flavor, thanks to the variety of vegetables and herbs. I often customize it with whatever I’ve on hand, making it versatile and perfect for using leftovers. Whether it’s chilly outside or I just need a hearty meal, this soup never disappoints me. You’ve gotta try it!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
When it comes to making a hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup, gathering your ingredients is half the fun. Picture yourself in the kitchen, chopping and prepping all those colorful veggies. It’s like creating a masterpiece, but instead of paint, you’re using fresh produce.
The best part? You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip this up. Just a little chopping and tossing, and you’ll be on your way to a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl. So, let’s plunge into what you’ll need to get started.
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious soup:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup ham, cut into cubes
- 1 (19 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 sweet green pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta, precooked
Now, while these ingredients are pretty standard for a vegetable soup, you can definitely play around with them. For instance, if you’re not a fan of ham, you can easily swap it out for a different protein or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version.
And don’t be shy about experimenting with other veggies. Got some leftover spinach or kale? Toss it in! This soup is super forgiving and perfect for using what you already have in your fridge. Just think of it as a delicious way to clean out your pantry. Who knew a simple soup could be so versatile and fun?
How to Make Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
Making a hearty slow cooker vegetable soup is like inviting a warm hug into your kitchen. First things first, grab your trusty 6-quart slow cooker and let’s get chopping. Start with 1 onion, chopped, and toss it right into the pot. Next, add 2 carrots and 2 stalks of celery, both chopped, along with 2 minced garlic cloves. You can almost smell the aroma building already, can’t you? It’s like a prelude to the deliciousness that’s about to unfold.
Now, to add a touch of flavor, toss in 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir it all together like you’re mixing up a magical potion.
Once your base is looking colorful and inviting, it’s time to add the goodies: pour in 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 3 cups of water. If you’re a fan of a heartier soup, don’t forget to add 1/2 cup of ham cut into cubes and 1 (19-ounce) can of red kidney beans, which you should drain and rinse first. This soup is a symphony of flavors, and you’re the conductor.
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low, letting it work its magic for about 6 hours. You might want to go do something productive during that time, like binge-watching your favorite show or pretending to clean your kitchen.
After those 6 hours, your kitchen will smell incredible, and the vegetables should be tender. Now, it’s time to add the fresh crunch of 1 diced sweet green pepper, 1 diced zucchini, and 1 cup of corn kernels. Oh, and if you’ve got some precooked 1 cup of orzo pasta lying around, toss that in, too.
Cover it again, but this time crank the heat to high and let it cook for another 20 minutes. During this time, you can daydream about how this soup is going to warm you up on a chilly evening.
Before serving, remember to fish out those pesky bay leaves and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Now you’re ready to ladle out a bowl and enjoy the fruits of your labor—because you totally deserve it.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve mastered the hearty slow cooker vegetable soup, you might want to mix things up a bit.
I love experimenting with different vegetables and proteins. For instance, swap out the ham for shredded chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also switch up the beans—try black beans or chickpeas instead.
If you’re not a fan of orzo, rice or quinoa works beautifully too. Don’t hesitate to add seasonal veggies like butternut squash in the fall or green beans in the summer.
Herbs also make a big difference; fresh basil or thyme can elevate the flavor profile.
Just remember, the beauty of this soup lies in its versatility, so get creative and make it your own!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
While enjoying a warm bowl of slow cooker vegetable soup, I often find myself craving something to complement its hearty flavors. A crusty piece of bread, like a rustic sourdough or a baguette, makes the perfect pairing. I love to dip it into the soup, soaking up all those delicious broth flavors.
A light side salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette also works wonderfully, balancing the richness of the soup. If I’m in the mood for something heartier, I might serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich, adding a comforting crunch.
For a revitalizing touch, I sometimes include pickles or olives on the side, which add a zesty contrast to the warm soup. Enjoy the combinations!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your slow cooker vegetable soup turns out perfect every time, I recommend prepping your ingredients the night before. This way, all you need to do in the morning is toss everything into the slow cooker and start it.
If you want to enhance the flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the pot. It really brings out their sweetness!
Feel free to customize your soup by adding other vegetables you have on hand or adjusting the seasonings to match your taste. If you’re using leftover ham, it’ll work beautifully here.
Finally, don’t forget to taste your soup before serving; a pinch of salt or a dash of hot sauce can make a world of difference!