22/09/2025
As a 'summer person' I always feel a bit sad when the days get darker and cooler. But I do love switching to warming, healthy meals for lunch.
Today, Iโm embracing the colder days and fuelling my body and brain with my chicken minestrone soupโa balanced, nutrient-packed meal with lean protein, fibre-rich beans and vegetables, and vitamin-rich kale.
Itโs perfect for using up Sunday roast leftovers and even better to batch cook and freeze, ready to enjoy whenever you need it.
Enjoy!
Easy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Ingredients:
โข 2 tbsp olive oil
โข 1 onion, chopped (fresh or frozen)
โข 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
โข 2 small carrots, finely chopped
โข 1 red pepper, chopped
โข 3 garlic cloves, minced
โข 1โ2 tsp dried Italian herbs
โข ยฝ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
โข 1 can (400 g) chopped tomatoes
โข 50 g tomato purรฉe
โข 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock
โข 1 can (400 g) cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
โข 300โ400 g cooked leftover chicken, shredded
โข 100 g kale, chopped
โข 15 g fresh parsley, chopped
โข 100 g small pasta (wholewheat for extra fibre)
โข Salt, pepper, optional chilli flakes
Instructions:
1. Add onion, garlic, red pepper, carrots, celery, herbs, smoked paprika, chopped tomatoes, tomato purรฉe, stock, and beans to the slow cooker. Stir lightly and season with salt & pepper.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6โ8 hrs or high for 3โ4 hrs.
3. 30 minutes before serving, add chicken, kale, and pasta. Once pasta is cooked and kale is wilted, stir in parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
