Ingredients and Weight:
- 2 cans (each 15 oz) vegetable broth
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 large carrot, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices whole-wheat bread, toasted (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low heat in a slow cooker
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients except the bread.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 4-6 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, and stir well.
- Serve hot, topped with the toasted whole-wheat bread, if desired.
Nutritional Information:
(Please note that the nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: About 250 per serving (based on the ingredients listed)
- Carbohydrates: Potatoes, green beans, and bread provide carbs.
- Protein: Vegetables and bread provide protein.
- Fat: Low-fat vegetable broth and a small amount of fat from the vegetables.
- Fiber: Provided by the vegetables and whole-wheat bread.
Dish Characteristics:
- This dish is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian minestrone made in a slow cooker.
- It is rich in vegetables and provides a good balance of carbs, protein, and fiber.
- The dish has a slow-cooked, home-cooked flavor that is comforting and satisfying.
User Comments:
- "This was a great vegetarian dish! The slow cooker made it so easy to prepare."
- "I loved the variety of vegetables in this dish. It was delicious and healthy."
- "The flavor was great, and it was nice to have a vegetarian option for dinner."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use fresh vegetables for best results. If using frozen vegetables, add them along with the frozen peas for the last hour of cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- This dish is great served with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese on top, if desired.