Slowcooker Garden Minestrone

Well, it's Thursday and thunderstorms are on the way. Thus, this awesome soup recipe which I found at Finding Joy in My Kitchen fits the bill. This soup whips up with minimal chopping and makes soup for a couple meals plus more for the freezer (I'd guess about 8-10 cups). I made a few minor changes such as using chicken broth instead of veggie broth and using more carrots and tomatoes. Plus, I had some nice tomato paste so only used a couple tablespoons rather than the entire can (which you must do if you used the cheap stuff). Definitely a tasty dish.



Slowcooker Garden Minestrone

1 medium onion, diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 C frozen green beans
1 stalk celery, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 C chicken broth
1 can Great White Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
28 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
2-3 tbs good quality tomato paste
1/2 c carrots, chopped
1/2 tsp. parsley
1 1/4 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. basil
1/4 tsp. thyme
1 c water
1/4 C red wine
8 oz frozen spinach
1/2 C small shell pasta

In 5-6 qt slowcooker (5 qt will be completely filled) add all ingredients except spinach and pasta. Cook on low for 7-8 hours until veggies are tender.

Turn slowcooker to high and stir in pasta and spinach. Cook for 30 minutes or until pasta is tender.

Serve with crusty bread. 8-10 cups.