Looking for a warm and comforting dish that practically cooks itself? Dive into the world of "Crock Pot Vegetable Rice Soup," where vibrant veggies and wholesome brown rice come together in a symphony of flavors! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this delightful soup is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients. Imagine coming home to the rich aroma of a hearty soup that’s been simmering all day, ready to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Get ready to discover how this simple recipe can transform your dinner routine!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing, peeling (if necessary), and chopping: dice carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion; mince garlic cloves.
- Add brown rice to the crock pot as the first layer, ensuring it is evenly distributed across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer chopped vegetables over the rice in the following order: onions, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and dried thyme over the vegetable layer, distributing evenly.
- Pour vegetable broth slowly over the ingredients, ensuring all components are moistened and rice is submerged.
- Season with salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat setting for 8 hours, allowing ingredients to slowly cook and flavors to meld together.
- After cooking time is complete, gently stir the soup to combine ingredients and check rice for tenderness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance flavor profile.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, chop your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. This way, all you need to do in the morning is toss everything in the crock pot!
- Layer Wisely: Always add the rice first and layer the vegetables on top. This ensures the rice cooks perfectly and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the broth and veggies.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Spinach, peas, or corn can add a lovely twist to the traditional recipe!
- Season to Taste: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to elevate the flavor to your liking.
- Garnish for Flair: Serve your soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
- Leftovers Magic: This soup stores well in the fridge for a few days and can also be frozen. Reheat it for a quick and satisfying meal anytime!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
