Introduction
Warm, hearty soups are comfort food staples, especially during cooler months. This vegetable soup is not only easy to prepare but also nutritious and loaded with flavor. Using a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while it gently simmers, allowing all the ingredients to meld together. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe!
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 (12-ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 (32-ounce) container vegetable broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can vegetable broth
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 8 hours on low or 6 hours on high
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes or 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6 servings
This vegetable soup is perfect for a nourishing meal at any time of the day. Enjoy it with a piece of crusty bread, and warm up your day!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Finely chop the onion and dice the potatoes.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Add the chopped onion and diced potatoes to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Then add the frozen mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes (with juice), minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Pour in both the 32-ounce container and the 14.5-ounce can of vegetable broth. Stir everything together well.
Step 3: Set Cooking Time
Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 6 hours.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once the cooking time is completed, open the slow cooker, stir the soup, and taste it. Adjust the seasoning if necessary according to your preference.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the soup hot and enjoy your meal!
Notes
Pro Tip: Chopping Techniques
To ensure even cooking, try to dice the potatoes and onions into uniform sizes.
Vegetable Options
Feel free to customize the mixed vegetables based on what you have available or your personal taste. Fresh veggies can be substituted for frozen if desired.
Storage Recommendations
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing Instructions
This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Cook techniques
Chopping Vegetables
Properly chopping vegetables is essential for even cooking. Use a sharp knife to finely chop the onion and dice the potatoes into uniform pieces.
Using a Slow Cooker
A slow cooker allows for gentle cooking over a long period. This method develops flavors and ensures that vegetables become tender without losing their nutrients.
Layering Ingredients
Layer ingredients in the slow cooker, starting with heartier vegetables like onions and potatoes. Follow with frozen vegetables, tomatoes, and seasoning before adding the broth.
Stirring Before Cooking
Stir the mixture well before cooking to ensure the flavors meld together, allowing the seasonings to coat the vegetables evenly.
Tasting for Seasoning
After cooking, always taste and adjust the seasoning. This step is crucial to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables can be used. Just ensure they are chopped and prepared to be similar in size to frozen mixed vegetables.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze portions for longer storage.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses vegetable broth and no animal products.
Is it possible to add protein to the soup?
Absolutely! You can add cooked beans, lentils, or tofu to increase the protein content.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If you’d like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot after cooking or add a thickening agent like cornstarch mixed with water.
Conclusion
This hearty vegetable soup is a perfect meal for any day, providing warmth and comfort with each bowl. The combination of potatoes, mixed vegetables, and the rich flavors of tomatoes and Italian seasoning creates a wholesome dish that is both nutritious and satisfying.
Vegetable Lentil Soup
Combine lentils with diced tomatoes, potatoes, and mixed vegetables for a protein-packed variation.
Spicy Tomato Vegetable Soup
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick to the original soup recipe.
Creamy Potato Vegetable Chowder
Incorporate a can of coconut milk or heavy cream to give the soup a rich and creamy texture.
Italian Minestrone Soup
Include small pasta, such as macaroni or ditalini, to turn the soup into a filling minestrone.
Vegetable Curry Soup
Stir in curry powder or paste for a warm, aromatic twist on this vegetable soup.
Chickpea and Vegetable Stew
Add canned chickpeas for added protein and texture, creating a heartier dish.
Quinoa and Vegetable Soup
Incorporate quinoa instead of potatoes for a gluten-free, nutrient-rich option.
