introduction
This simple slow cooker soup warms the body and the heart. It uses easy vegetables and herbs. If you want more slow cooker ideas, try a similar recipe for a slow cooker vegetable soup that shows the same easy steps.
why make this recipe
Make this soup when you want warm, plain, and healthy food with little work. The slow cooker does the work while you do other things. For other healing soup ideas, see a soothing recipe like the healing bowl soup.
how to make Soul-Warming Slow Cooker Soup
Put all ingredients in the slow cooker and let them cook slowly. Stir once or twice. If you add cooked meat or beans, add them near the end so they stay tender. For a simple chicken add-in idea, you can look at a basic chicken vegetable soup for guidance.
Ingredients :
2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 cup of diced carrots, 1 cup of diced potatoes, 1 cup of chopped celery, 1 onion, chopped, 3 cloves of garlic, minced, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried basil, Salt and pepper to taste, Optional: cooked protein (like chicken or beans)
Directions :
- In a slow cooker, combine the vegetable broth, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to mix all the ingredients well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until vegetables are tender.
- If using, add cooked protein during the last hour of cooking.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
how to serve Soul-Warming Slow Cooker Soup
Serve the soup hot in deep bowls. Add a slice of crusty bread or a simple salad. Top with fresh parsley or a little grated cheese if you like.
how to store Soul-Warming Slow Cooker Soup
Cool the soup before storing. Put it in airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Soul-Warming Slow Cooker Soup
- Chop vegetables to a similar size so they cook evenly.
- Use low heat for best texture and flavor.
- Taste and add salt or pepper near the end.
- If the soup is too thin, mash a few potatoes to thicken it.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked chicken, shredded, for more protein.
- Use beans instead of meat for a vegetarian boost.
- Add a bay leaf while cooking and remove before serving.
- Swap thyme or basil for rosemary or oregano for a different flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade broth?
A: Yes. Homemade or store-bought broth both work.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes. Add them at the start but check cooking time; they may cook faster.
Q: How do I make the soup thicker?
A: Mash some potatoes in the pot or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water and cook for a short time.
Q: Can I skip the tomatoes?
A: Yes. Skip them for a milder, clearer broth.
Conclusion
This soup is easy to make and easy to store. For a rich slow-cooked meat idea that warms the home, see Soul Warming French Onion Pot Roast Recipe | Little Spice Jar. For a different spicy, warming bowl with lentils, try the Curried Red Lentil Soup: a Soul-Warming Recipe – Boulder Locavore.