A Good Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup, a Real Autumn Delight - Tips and Crafts

Ingredients

• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• 3/4 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1-2 cups of water
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 medium zucchinis, chopped
• 1/2 cup of canned or cooked red beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup of canned or cooked cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup of small dried pasta
• 1-2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
• 1-2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar (optional but adds a lot of flavor)
• Grated Parmesan, for serving
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)