Slow Cooker Garden Vegetable Soup

Description

 

This hearty, wholesome vegetable soup is packed with fresh garden vegetables, slow-cooked to bring out deep, comforting flavors. It’s a perfect healthy meal—low in calories, rich in fiber, and naturally vegan. Ideal for busy days, you can simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work.

 

Ingredients

 

2 cups carrots, sliced

 

2 cups potatoes, diced

 

1 cup green beans, chopped

 

1 cup celery, sliced

 

1 medium onion, diced

 

3 cloves garlic, minced

 

1 zucchini, chopped

 

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

 

6 cups vegetable broth

 

1 tsp dried thyme

 

1 tsp dried basil

 

1/2 tsp oregano

 

Salt and pepper to taste

 

1 cup spinach or kale (added at end)

 

Optional: 1 cup corn or peas

 

Instructions

 

Add all vegetables (except spinach/kale) into the slow cooker.

 

Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.

 

Add herbs, salt, and pepper.

 

Stir everything gently.

 

Cover and cook:

 

Low: 6–8 hours

 

High: 3–4 hours

 

About 20 minutes before serving, stir in spinach or kale.

 

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

 

Servings

 

Makes: 6 servings

 

Serving size: ~1.5 cups

 

Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)

 

Calories: 120

 

Protein: 3g

 

Carbohydrates: 25g

 

Fiber: 5g

 

Fat: 1g

 

Sodium: 400–600 mg (depends on broth)

 

Benefits

 

Rich in nutrients: Packed with vitamins A, C, and potassium

 

High fiber: Supports digestion and gut health

 

Low calorie: Great for weight management

 

Heart-friendly: Low fat and cholesterol-free

 

Hydrating: High water content from vegetables

 

Tips for Best Results

 

Cut vegetables evenly for consistent cooking

 

Use fresh herbs if available for brighter flavor

 

Add beans or lentils for extra protein

 

Avoid overcooking greens—add them near the end

 

For a thicker soup, mash a portion before serving

 

Flavor Variations

 

Add chili flakes for spice 🌶️

 

Stir in lemon juice for freshness 🍋

 

Include pasta or rice for a heartier version

 

Add parmesan (if not vegan) for richness

 

Q&A

 

Q: Can I freeze this soup?

 

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing.

 

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?

 

Absolutely. No need to thaw—just add them directly.

 

Q: How can I make it more filling?

 

Add beans, lentils, quinoa, or shredded chicken (if not vegetarian).

 

Q: What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

 

You can cook it on the stovetop for about 30–40 minutes until vegetables are tender.

 

Q: How long does it last in the fridge?

 

3–4 days in an airtight container.

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