Description
Comforting slow cooker vegetable soup delivers hearty nutrition with minimal kitchen effort. Packed with seasonal vegetables and rich broth, this simple one-pot meal will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Dairy:
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Meticulously chop potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring precise dicing for consistent cooking and texture.
- Crush garlic finely to release maximum flavor, then transfer all chopped vegetables into the slow cooker basin.
- Pour vegetable broth over the vegetables, incorporating thyme, salt, and pepper for comprehensive seasoning and aromatic depth.
- Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow ingredients to simmer gently for 6-8 hours, or alternatively use high setting for 3-4 hours until vegetables become fork-tender.
- For enhanced smoothness, utilize an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a rustic yet creamy consistency without completely eliminating vegetable chunks.
- Introduce heavy cream or coconut milk, stirring gently to integrate and create a luxurious, velvety foundation.
- Sprinkle flour into a small portion of broth, whisking thoroughly to prevent lumps, then fold back into the slow cooker to naturally thicken the soup’s texture.
- Incorporate frozen peas and corn during the final 10-15 minutes of cooking, allowing them to warm through while maintaining vibrant color and nutritional integrity.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile before serving hot.
Notes
- Precision in dicing ensures even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup, allowing each vegetable to cook perfectly.
- Blending techniques offer flexibility for different preferences, from chunky to silky smooth, catering to various taste experiences.
- Dairy alternatives like coconut milk make this recipe adaptable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners, without compromising rich, creamy flavor.
- Thickening methods using flour or cornstarch provide control over soup consistency, letting home cooks customize their ideal soup texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on high) or 8 hours (on low)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg