This gloomy weather we’ve had in LA over the weekend has got me craving some hearty comfort food. And when it’s cold outside, nothing is more satisfying that a nice, hot bowl of soup. This tasty Autumn Vegetable Minestrone soup is a great low calorie soup recipe to keep on hand. With just one WW point, it’s a dieter’s best friend! I like to make a large batch of this soup and then divide it up into individual portions and freeze them. That way, when hunger strikes and I’m looking for something quick and easy to make, I can just grab one of these low calorie soups right out of my freezer and heat it up! So convenient, healthy and delicious!

Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe

Ingredients:
2 14.5 oz cans vegetable broth
1 18 oz can crushed tomatoes – undrained
3 medium carrots — chopped (1 1/2 cups)
3 small zucchini — cut into 1/2″ slices
1 medium yellow bell pepper — cut into 1/2″ pieces
8 medium green onions — sliced (1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic — finely chopped
2 cups shredded cabbage
2 teaspoons dried marjoram
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup uncooked instant rice
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Mix all ingredients except rice and basil in a 3 1/2 to 6 quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or until vegetables are tender. Stir in rice. Cover and cook on low heat setting for about 15 minutes or until rice is tender.

Per serving: 195 Calories (kcal); 2g Total Fat; 7g Protein; 39g Carbohydrate; 1mg Cholesterol; 1198mg Sodium

Weight Watchers Points Value – 1 WW Point

In the world of Weight Watchers, this 0 Points soup has reached celebrity status. It’s yummy, easy to make, and has ZERO POINTS!!! As a Weight Watchers member, this soup has been a staple for me. I find it best to make a large batch on the weekend, and then divide into 1 1/2 cup portions (those little plastic Ziploc containers work great for this), and store them in my fridge or freezer. This way, when I’m busy during the week, I can just whip out one of these babies on a moment’s notice!

Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ingredients:
2/3 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup diced onions
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups fat-free broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
1 1/2 cups diced green cabbage
1/2 cup green beans
1 tbsp. tomato paste
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup diced zucchini

Directions:
In a large saucepan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, sauté carrots, onions and garlic over low heat for about 5 minutes. Add broth, cabbage, green beans, tomato paste, basil, oregano and salt, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for around 15 minutes or until beans are tender. Lastly, stir in the zucchini and continue to heat soup for 3-4 minutes. Enjoy!!