Description

This Slow Cooker Chunky Vegetable Soup is a hearty and healthy meal packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful herbs. Perfect for a cozy day, it combines sautéed onions and garlic with a medley of carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, green beans, kale, and a zesty lemon finish. Easy to prepare and slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a nourishing, comforting soup that warms you up and satisfies your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups chopped kale or spinach

Other Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Sauté onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
Add vegetables: Add sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced potatoes, and chopped zucchini to the slow cooker over the sautéed onions and garlic.
Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in green beans, dried thyme, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Cook soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until all the vegetables are tender and flavors melded.
Add greens and lemon juice: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped kale or spinach and the juice of one lemon to brighten the flavor.
Season and serve: After cooking is complete, taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

You can substitute kale with spinach or other leafy greens of your choice.
For added protein, consider adding cooked beans or lentils.
Adjust the cooking time if you prefer firmer or softer vegetables.
This soup freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stove.
If you want a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding seasonings.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: vegetable soup, slow cooker soup, healthy soup, vegan soup, hearty soup, easy recipe, comfort food