Italian soup with creamy beans, veggies, and spinach simmered in herbs; nourishing comfort for vegetarians.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 4 cups packed baby spinach
→ Beans
06 - 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
→ Broth & Liquids
07 - 6 cups vegetable broth (ensure gluten-free if needed)
08 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
→ Herbs & Seasonings
09 - 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
→ Finishing Touches
13 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, optional
15 - Grated Parmesan cheese, optional, for serving
# Directions:
01 - Add diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
02 - Stir in cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, and vegetable broth.
03 - Sprinkle in dried Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Mix thoroughly.
04 - Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, until vegetables are tender.
05 - Stir in packed baby spinach and extra-virgin olive oil 15 minutes before serving. Allow spinach to wilt.
06 - Taste and adjust salt or pepper if necessary.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.