Weight Watchers Vegetarian Minestrone
Minestrone is a classic Italian appetizer recipe.
This slow cooker version is super easy to make, and it’s healthy!
Full of vegetables and macaroni pasta, it’s a delicious Weight Watchers friendly meal.
Only 138 calories, 2 WW Freestyle Points 5 Smart Points.
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Tips and Tricks
Preparing Vegetables
For even cooking, chop the vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This ensures everything cooks uniformly and results in a better texture.
Layering Ingredients
When adding ingredients to the Crock-Pot, place the harder vegetables like carrots and celery at the bottom, as they take longer to cook. This helps them soften properly during the cooking process.
Enhancing Flavor
For a deeper flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the Crock-Pot. This extra step can enhance the overall taste of the minestrone.
Adding Fresh Herbs
If you prefer a fresher taste, add the parsley towards the end of the cooking time instead of at the beginning. Fresh herbs can lose their flavor if cooked for too long.
Cooking Pasta
To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, cook it separately until just al dente (firm to the bite) before adding it to the Crock-Pot. This ensures it maintains a good texture in the soup.
Spinach Addition
Add the spinach in the last 15 minutes of cooking to retain its vibrant color and nutrients. Overcooking spinach can make it lose its bright green hue and fresh taste.
Adjusting Seasonings
Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might need to add a bit more salt or pepper depending on your preference and the saltiness of your broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl adds a nice finishing touch.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to thin the soup.
Freezing
This minestrone soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Customizing Vegetables
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, potatoes, or butternut squash can be great additions or substitutions.
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Weight Watchers Vegetarian Minestrone Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 can kidney beans – 15 oz drained
- 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 small zucchini
- 2 large carrots diced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomato
- 1 cup green beans
- 2 ribs celery diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ tsp thyme dried
- 1 tbsp parsley fresh, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1½ tsp dried oregano
- 4 cups spinach fresh, chopped
- ½ cup elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- In a Crock pot, add kidney beans, broth, tomato, onions, zucchini, green beans, carrot, and celery. Stir to combine. Stir in garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook in slow cooker on low setting for approx 6 – 8 hours.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook macaroni, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm, 8 minutes; drain.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Don't overcook pasta. It should be cooked, but firm.
- Add macaroni and spinach to minestrone; cook an additional 15 minutes. Top with Parmesan cheese.
- Put spinach and pasta in the slow cooker. Cook approx 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle each serving with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
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