Slow Cooker Minestrone

 Soup is one of my favorite things.  Minestrone is one of my favorite soups.  This recipe looks like a “use everything in your kitchen” minestrone.

1 carton vegetable or chicken stock.

3 C. V8 or tomato juice

2 C. water

2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

2 celery ribs, chopped

2 medium carrots, chopped 

1 can diced tomatoes, undrained 

1 medium onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 bay leaves

1 tbsp. Italian seasoning

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1 can kidney beans

1 can cannellini beans

1 can cut green beans

1 small zucchini, chopped

1 C. uncooked ditalini or other small pasta

Grated Parmesan cheese, optional 

Combine the first 13 ingredients in a slow cooker.  Cook, covered on low 6-8 hours or until vegetables are tender.  Stir in the remaining ingredients.  Cook covered, on high about 30 minutes longer, until pasta is tender.  Discard bay leaves.  If desired, top with grated Parmesan.