Slow Cooker Italian Summer Soup

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### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the vegetables**: Start by dicing the onion, garlic, zucchinis, carrots, and celery. Chop the green beans into bite-sized pieces.

2. **Add ingredients to the slow cooker**: Place all the prepared vegetables into your slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, white beans, vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf.

3. **Set and cook**: Stir everything together in the slow cooker, making sure the vegetables and seasonings are evenly distributed. Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the soup cook for 6–7 hours, or on high heat for 3–4 hours. The soup is done when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

4. **Finish the soup**: About 30 minutes before serving, add the fresh green beans to the slow cooker. Stir them into the soup and let them cook until tender.

5. **Serve**: Once the soup is done, remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping!

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### Why This Soup Is Perfect for Summer

This **Slow Cooker Italian Summer Soup** is all about fresh, bright flavors. The combination of summer vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and fresh green beans makes it light and colorful, while the beans provide a hearty base that makes the soup filling. The broth, infused with garlic, basil, and oregano, has a savory depth without feeling too heavy, making it a great option for a summer lunch or dinner.

The best part? Since it’s made in the slow cooker, the soup practically makes itself. You can prepare the ingredients in the morning, let it cook throughout the day, and come home to a fragrant, flavorful meal that’s ready to eat.

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### Tips & Variations:
– **Add some pasta**: For a more substantial soup, stir in some small pasta, such as ditalini or orzo, about 30 minutes before the soup is done. This adds texture and makes the soup even heartier.
– **Swap the beans**: While white beans work wonderfully in this recipe, feel free to swap them out for chickpeas or kidney beans for a different flavor and texture.
– **Add some protein**: For a more filling meal, consider adding some cooked chicken, sausage, or turkey meatballs to the soup. Simply stir them in about 30 minutes before the soup is finished cooking.
– **Spicy twist**: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
– **Make it vegetarian or vegan**: This soup is naturally vegetarian, but if you want to make it vegan, just ensure that your vegetable broth is plant-based and skip the Parmesan cheese topping.

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### A Taste of Italy in Every Spoonful

This **Slow Cooker Italian Summer Soup** is the perfect way to enjoy the bright, vibrant flavors of the season. With a base of fresh vegetables, savory broth, and comforting beans, it’s a dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine while keeping things light and healthy. It’s a meal that works equally well for a family dinner, a light lunch, or even as a starter for a summer gathering.

So, the next time you’re craving a bowl of something comforting but not too heavy, give this slow cooker soup a try. It’s easy, flavorful, and the perfect way to enjoy the best of summer produce!

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Would you like a printable version of this recipe, or suggestions for a refreshing salad to pair with the soup?