Olivia Carter
Green bean soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed all year round. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy choice for any meal. And what better way to cook it than in a slow cooker?
The slow cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that allows you to set it and forget it. Just add your ingredients, set the timer, and let it do all the work for you. This makes it perfect for busy individuals who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
To make green bean soup in a slow cooker, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: fresh or frozen green beans, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and your choice of herbs and spices. You can customize the soup to your liking by adding other vegetables or protein.
Once you have your ingredients ready, simply toss them into the slow cooker and let it simmer on low heat for several hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and hearty soup that will warm your soul.
So, if you’re looking for an easy and delicious soup recipe that you can make in your slow cooker, give green bean soup a try. It’s a healthy, filling, and comforting dish that the whole family will love.
Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking Green Bean Soup in Slow Cooker
Nothing beats sitting down to a warm, comforting bowl of homemade green bean soup. And the best part? You can easily make it in your slow cooker! Follow this step-by-step guide to whip up a delicious green bean soup that the whole family will love.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
First, gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent. This will take about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the green beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 4: Cook on Low Heat
Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook the green bean soup on low heat for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process will help the flavors meld together and create a rich, flavorful soup.
Step 5: Blend the Soup (Optional)
If you prefer a smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can leave the soup chunky for a heartier texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot green bean soup into bowls and serve it with crusty bread or a side salad. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Enjoy this comforting and nutritious soup with your loved ones!
Prep the Ingredients
Before you start cooking your green bean soup in a slow cooker, you need to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Start by washing the green beans under cold water. Then, trim off the ends of the beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Chop the Onion and Mince the Garlic
Peel and chop the onion into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves using a garlic press or finely chop them with a knife.
Step 3: Gather the Remaining Ingredients
Make sure you have the vegetable or chicken broth, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, salt, and pepper on hand.
Once you have prepped all the ingredients, you are ready to start cooking your green bean soup in the slow cooker!
Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by sautéing the aromatics for your green bean soup in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up for a minute or two.
Next, add in finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, usually around 5 minutes.
As the aromatics cook, their flavors will deepen and enhance the overall taste of the soup. This step is essential for creating a rich and flavorful base for your green bean soup.
Once the aromatics are cooked, you can proceed to the next step in your slow cooker green bean soup recipe.
Add the Beans and Broth
Once the onions and garlic are cooked, it’s time to add the green beans and broth to the slow cooker. Carefully pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth, ensuring that the beans are fully submerged.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use less broth. Alternatively, if you like a thinner consistency, you can add more broth or water to achieve your desired texture.
Next, add the green beans to the slow cooker. It’s best to use fresh green beans, but you can also use frozen beans if that’s what you have on hand. If using fresh beans, make sure to wash them and trim off the ends before adding them to the slow cooker.
Give everything a good stir to ensure that the beans are evenly distributed throughout the broth. This will help to ensure that all of the beans cook evenly and become tender.
Once the beans are added, you can also season the soup with any additional herbs or spices that you like. Common options include thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.
After seasoning the soup, it’s time to set the slow cooker. Cover the pot with the lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker, so check the beans periodically for tenderness.
As the soup cooks, the flavors will meld together and the beans will become soft and delicious. Once the beans are tender, the soup is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
This green bean soup is not only delicious, but also nutritious. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any meal. Plus, it’s so easy to make in the slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a homemade soup with minimal effort. Give it a try and savor the comforting flavors of this green bean soup!
Let it Simmer and Serve
Once all the ingredients are in the slow cooker, it’s time to let them simmer and infuse together. Set the slow cooker on low heat and let the green bean soup cook for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process will allow all the flavors to meld together and create a delicious and hearty soup.
After the cooking time is up, give the soup a good stir and check for seasoning. Add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors. You can also adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more broth or water if desired.
When the soup is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Ladle the green bean soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor. Serve the soup hot with some crusty bread on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.
Variations to Try
- For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before serving.
- Add cooked chicken or sausage to make it a heartier meal.
- Try adding other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.
Storing and Reheating
If you have any leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat the soup, simply transfer it to a pot and gently warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. You may need to add a bit of extra broth or water to adjust the consistency if it thickens while refrigerated.
Questions and answers
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned green beans instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the slow cooker. Keep in mind that the texture and taste of the soup may be slightly different when using canned green beans.
How long does it take to cook green bean soup in a slow cooker?
Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, but generally, green bean soup takes about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat. It’s best to check the tenderness of the green beans before deciding if the soup is ready. They should be soft but not mushy.
