Easy Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup (Dump and Go!)

When it comes to dinner, let’s face it: some nights you want nutrients without the fuss, and other nights you just need comfort food. A study shows that adding more vegetables to your meals can boost your health significantly, and this Easy Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup delivers just that. With its vibrant medley of vegetables simmering together, your kitchen will smell like a cozy café. Plus, it packs a protein punch, thanks to beans or whole grains you can easily add at the end. It’s the perfect combination of wholesome goodness with minimal effort!

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Why This Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup Never Fails

Picture this: a chilly evening, you’re wrapped up in a blanket, and the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. Enter your slow cooker, the unsung hero of the weeknight meal. This vegetable soup is your convenient culinary best friend because it lets you enjoy all the flavors without extensive prep work. Just toss the ingredients in, set the timer, and let the magic happen. Trust me, you’ll come back to a bubbling cauldron of nourishing goodness that could warm any soul.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups carrot, sliced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 cups chopped, peeled Russet potatoes
• 2 cups chopped green beans, fresh or frozen, defrosted
• 1 (15-oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 quart vegetable stock (or chicken stock if you’re not vegetarian)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen, defrosted
• 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen, defrosted

Gather these ingredients, and you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re setting yourself up for a heartwarming experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas.

Let’s Cook

1. To a 6-quart slow cooker, add the onion, carrot, celery, potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, smoked paprika, garlic powder, vegetable stock, and salt, stirring to combine.
2. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours, or until the vegetables are very tender and cooked through. Pro Tip: If you’re in a pinch, the high setting gives you tender veggies without sacrificing flavor.
3. Uncover and add the corn and peas, stirring to combine.
4. Taste and add additional salt if desired. Mini Tip: A splash of lemon juice at the end can brighten everything up beautifully!

Nutrition Breakdown

This scrumptious soup serves up about 8 portions, each brimming with wholesome nutrition. A single serving contains approximately 140 calories, 5 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbs, 0 grams of fat, and 8 grams of fiber. Eating fiber-rich meals like this is a great way to keep your digestive system happy. Plus, vibrant veggies mean you’re loading up on antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a powerhouse of nutrients packed into a bowl of comfort.

How to Serve It Best

Serve this soup steaming hot in a generous bowl, ideally topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme. It pairs wonderfully with a crusty whole-grain bread or a green salad, making it a complete meal that’s perfect for cozy nights in, family dinners, or even a gathering with friends in the winter months. Imagine enjoying it with a glass of vine-ripened red wine, and you’ve got a recipe for an incredible evening.

Keep It Fresh

To store your leftover soup, simply let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days or stash it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When it’s time to reheat, do so on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed to your preference. Freshness Tip: To preserve flavor, add a touch more seasoning right before serving!

Pro Tips

• For added texture, consider blending half the soup and leaving the rest chunky for a delightful contrast.
• If you like a bit of spice, feel free to throw in some red pepper flakes for a kick.
• To enhance the depth of flavor, sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Consider throwing in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last half hour of cooking.
• Make it a meal by adding shredded chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.

Flavor Experiments

• For a seasonal twist, try adding pumpkin puree in the fall; it brings a lovely sweetness and creaminess.
• Feeling fancy? Drizzle with a touch of truffle oil just before serving for a gourmet touch!
• For a playful mix, toss in some Asian flair by adding ginger and a splash of soy sauce, perfect for colder months.

Learn from My Mistakes

1. Overcooking vegetables: Make sure to adjust cooking times according to your slow cooker model. Trust your veggies; they can go from tender to mush quite quickly.
2. Forgetting to add seasonings: It’s easy to skip on salt, but flavor is key! Season gradually throughout cooking for a balanced taste.
3. Not using enough liquid: If your soup ends up too thick, simply add a little more stock during cooking. Always have extra on hand!
4. Using fresh herbs too early: They tend to lose flavor in the slow cooker. Add them close to the end.
5. Not adjusting texture: If the soup is too thin for your liking, thicken it by blending a portion with an immersion blender.

Creative Second-Day Ideas

• Whip up a hearty vegetable stew by adding some lentils and simmering on the stovetop.
• Transform it into a filling grain bowl by serving the soup over quinoa or brown rice, topped with avocado.
• Make a delightful vegetable sandwich by bagging it up with toasted sourdough bread and cheese for a winter delight.

Quick Questions

Can I make this soup in advance? Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just reheat for serving.

Is this soup vegan-friendly? Yes, just use vegetable stock and skip any added meats. It’s loaded with plant-based goodness!

Can I freeze the vegetable soup? Yes, it freezes like a charm! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

What can I add for extra protein? Try adding beans, lentils, or shredded chicken during the cooking process for a heartier meal.

With this Easy Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup, you’ll not only nourish your body but also simplify your evening routine without compromising flavor. Now go on, give it a try!