Hearty Crockpot Vegetable Soup a Veggie Patch in a Pot

Easy Crockpot Vegetable Soup Recipe Veggie Patch Magic
By Emma Prescott

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a hearty, veggie packed hug in a bowl? Honestly, who doesn't? This crockpot vegetable soup recipe is so easy, it's practically foolproof.

Plus, it's bursting with fresh flavours that’ll warm you right up from the inside out.

Brief Overview

This isn't just some random soup. This slow cooker vegetable soup has roots in simple, home cooked goodness. It’s the kind of recipe that's been passed down through generations.

It’s an easy recipe, taking only 20 minutes prep time and 6- 8 hours on low , for 6-8 servings .

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this crockpot vegetable soup recipe ? It's packed with nutrients. Talk about a healthy crockpot soup ! It is perfect for a chilly evening or a budget friendly soup recipe when you need a comforting meal without breaking the bank.

It is truly special because it is so customizable and utterly delicious.

Unveiling the Veggie Magic: Ingredients You'll Need

Right, let’s gather our bits and bobs. To make this amazing crockpot vegetable soup recipe , you’ll need a few basic ingredients.

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (794 grams)
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (1.4 liters) (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained (425 grams)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Getting Started: The Aromatic Foundation

Let's start by adding aromatics. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.

Sauté for about 5- 7 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly. Honestly, this step is optional but it really boosts the flavor! This is how it is to make our comfort food soup recipes .

Slow Cooker Assembly

Transfer the sautéed vegetables into your slow cooker. This is the easy vegetable soup recipe we have all been waiting for.

Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all the lovely flavours.

Adding the Veggie Crew

Now, throw in the green beans, corn, peas, zucchini, and kidney beans. Mix them well with the rest of the ingredients. That's it. It's that simple vegetable soup

The Waiting Game: Slow Cooking to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6- 8 hours. Alternatively, cook it on high for 3- 4 hours, until all the vegetables are tender.

Pro Tip: Don't overcook! Mushy veggies are a no-no.

The Final Touch: Seasoning and Serving

Once the vegetables are tender, remove the bay leaf. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving and Enjoying Your Masterpiece

Serve your delicious crockpot vegetable soup recipe with a hunk of crusty bread. Oh my gosh! So satisfying. Enjoy this vegetarian crockpot recipes , you deserve it.

It can be used as a base for vegan slow cooker soup .

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Crockpot Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ready to make the ultimate crockpot vegetable soup recipe ? Getting your ingredients and equipment sorted makes all the difference.

Honestly, half the battle is just having everything ready to go. I've streamlined it so it is super simple.

Main Ingredients

Let's talk veggies! This easy vegetable soup recipe really shines when you use good quality stuff.

  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml )
  • Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 ½ cups )
  • Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
  • Carrots: 2 , diced (about 1 cup )
  • Celery: 2 stalks , diced (about 1 cup )
  • Red bell pepper: 1 , diced (about 1 cup )
  • Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can ( 794 grams )
  • Vegetable broth: 6 cups ( 1.4 liters ) low sodium is better.
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried thyme: ½ teaspoon
  • Bay leaf: 1
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
  • Black pepper: ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
  • Green beans: 1 cup , trimmed and cut.
  • Frozen corn: 1 cup
  • Frozen peas: 1 cup
  • Zucchini: 1 , diced (about 1 cup )
  • Kidney beans: 1 can (15 ounces) ( 425 grams ), rinsed.
  • Fresh parsley: For garnish, because we are fancy like that!

For the broth, if you can snag some proper good quality stuff do it! It makes a big difference in the flavor.

Seasoning Notes

Spices are key in a healthy crockpot soup !

Oregano, basil, and thyme? The trifecta of yum.

A bay leaf adds a subtle depth. But don't forget to take it out before serving!

If you are missing something, try Italian seasoning, or just extra oregano.

Equipment Needed

No need to get fancy here, mate. This simple vegetable soup is all about ease.

  • Slow cooker: A 6-quart or bigger is ideal.
  • Chopping board: Obvious, right?
  • Chef's knife: To chop all those veggies.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring.

If you don’t have a fancy slow cooker, any big pot will do, just simmer it gently on the hob!

I promise, even if you are all thumbs in the kitchen, this vegetarian crockpot recipes is foolproof. Trust me, I’ve made this a million times even with the kids running around causing chaos.

Now, let’s get cooking and whip up some proper good comfort food soup recipes ! It is ideal when you need a Winter warmer soup that is also a Budget friendly soup recipe and you are thinking about make-ahead soup recipe .

Alright, let’s talk about getting your grub on the right way! Who doesn't love a warming bowl of soup? Especially when it practically cooks itself? Today, we’re diving headfirst into a crockpot vegetable soup recipe that’s so easy, even your nan could make it!

Honestly, this is proper comfort food, innit? Perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want to curl up on the sofa.

Prep Like a Pro: Making Sure Everything's Sorted

First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. It's a fancy way of saying "get your stuff together before you start cooking.

" Chop your 1 large onion , mince 2 cloves of garlic , dice 2 carrots , 2 celery stalks , and 1 red bell pepper .

Having everything prepped saves so much time. It’s like having all your train tickets ready before you get to the station.

Safety time: watch your fingers when chopping!.

The "Chuck It All In" Method: step-by-step Simplicity

  1. Optional but Recommended: In a pan, gently sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in 1 tablespoon olive oil for about 5- 7 minutes . This is like layering flavour, init?
  2. Grab that crockpot and bung in the sautéed veggies (if you did them!), 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes , 6 cups vegetable broth , 1 teaspoon dried oregano , 1 teaspoon dried basil , ½ teaspoon dried thyme , 1 bay leaf , 1 teaspoon salt , and ½ teaspoon black pepper .
  3. Add 1 cup green beans , 1 cup frozen corn , 1 cup frozen peas , 1 medium zucchini , and 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans . Give it all a good stir, make sure it all well combined.
  4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or on high for 3- 4 hours , until the vegetables are nice and tender.
  5. Remove the bay leaf. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning. Don't be shy with the salt and pepper, eh?
  6. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. And there you have it, a cracking easy vegetable soup recipe !

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

Want to make your slow cooker vegetable soup even better? For a richer flavour, use homemade vegetable broth. It's like upgrading from instant coffee to a proper barista blend.

Avoid mushy vegetables, watch the time carefully! The healthy crockpot soup it is make-ahead soup recipe which is great for meal prep! Honestly, a good winter warmer soup is always a winner.

Recipe Notes for Your Crockpot Vegetable Soup Recipe

Fancy getting the most out of this cracking crockpot vegetable soup recipe ? Here are a few extra pointers to make your soup a right triumph.

Honestly, these little tweaks make all the difference! It's about making it your easy vegetable soup recipe , isn't it?

Plating and Presentation - Make It Look Good!

Right, so you've got this gorgeous slow cooker vegetable soup , but presentation matters! Ladle it into nice bowls. Think rustic, you know? A sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders.

A swirl of cream looks fancy too. Pair it with a hunk of crusty bread perfect for dunking. Got some pesto? A little dollop on top elevates everything.

I like to add grilled cheese on the side.

Storing Like a Pro

Leftovers? Winner! Let the soup cool completely before stashing it in an airtight container. It'll happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .

For longer storage, freeze it. Portion it out into freezer safe bags. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight and reheat on the hob or in the microwave.

Make sure it's piping hot before tucking in.

Variations Get Creative!

This healthy crockpot soup is mega versatile. Need a vegetarian crockpot recipe or even a vegan slow cooker soup ? Just check your broth is veggie friendly! Want some protein? Chuck in some lentils or chickpeas.

For a bit of spice, a pinch of chilli flakes works a treat. In the summer, add some courgette or fresh tomatoes from the garden.

The beauty is you can make this simple vegetable soup exactly how you like it.

Nutrition Goodness in Every Spoonful

This crockpot vegetable soup recipe is packed with nutrients. It's low in fat, high in fibre, and full of vitamins.

It's a brilliant way to get your five-a-day. Plus, it's a budget friendly soup recipe , which is always a bonus! Each serving is about 180 calories, 8 grams of protein, and a whopping 8 grams of fiber.

It is the perfect comfort food soup recipes . This makes it a tasty and nourishing choice.

So there you have it! A winter warmer soup that's as easy as pie to make. Don't be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, enjoy! It's the perfect make-ahead soup recipe , and I can't wait for you to give this crockpot vegetable soup recipe a try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put raw meat in my crockpot vegetable soup recipe?

While this recipe is vegetarian, you absolutely can add meat! Browning your chosen meat (like sausage, chicken, or beef) in a pan before adding it to the crockpot is recommended for optimal flavour and food safety. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring the meat is fully cooked before consuming.

Think of it as adding your own signature "chef's kiss" to the recipe!

Help! My crockpot vegetable soup is bland. How can I add more flavour?

Don't despair, even the best cooks occasionally need a flavour boost! First, ensure you're using enough salt and pepper they're surprisingly important. Beyond that, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami.

You could also stir in some pesto at the end for a fresh, herbaceous punch. If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick!

How long does crockpot vegetable soup last, and what's the best way to store it?

Your delicious crockpot vegetable soup will keep in the refrigerator 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; just be aware that some vegetables (like zucchini) may become a bit softer after thawing.

So pop it in the fridge or freezer, and Bob's your uncle - you've got soup for later!

I'm short on time. Can I speed up this crockpot vegetable soup recipe?

Absolutely! While slow cooking is ideal for flavour development, you can use the high setting on your crockpot to speed things up. Cooking on high typically takes about half the time (around 3-4 hours instead of 6-8 on low). Just keep an eye on the vegetables to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

You could also use pre-chopped vegetables to save even more prep time. Sorted!

Can I use frozen vegetables in this crockpot vegetable soup recipe?

You bet you can! Frozen vegetables are a brilliant shortcut and often just as nutritious as fresh. There's no need to thaw them before adding them to the crockpot; just toss them in with the other ingredients. This is especially handy for things like peas, corn, and green beans. Frozen veggies for the win!

Is this crockpot vegetable soup recipe healthy, and what are the nutritional benefits?

This soup is definitely a healthy choice! It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from all the vegetables. It's naturally low in fat and can be made even healthier by using low-sodium vegetable broth. All those lovely veggies contribute to good digestion, a strong immune system, and overall well being.

So tuck in and enjoy all the goodness!

Hearty Crockpot Vegetable Soup A Veggie Patch In

Easy Crockpot Vegetable Soup Recipe Veggie Patch Magic Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:20 Mins
Cooking time:420 Mins
Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories180 calories
Fat4g
Fiber8g

Recipe Info:

CategorySoup
CuisineAmerican

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