Thinking about hauling out the crock pot tomorrow to make some soup. I don't generally measure, but...
Summer Italian Soup
1 lg can fire-roasted tomatoes, diced (with the liquid)
3 boxes of low fat/low salt chicken stock
2 med-large zucchini squash, cut into half circles
2 med - large summer squash, cut into half circles
2 med-large carrots, diced
1 tsp - 1 tablespoon of dried Oregano, Basil or mixed Italian herbs (your choice)
salt and pepper to taste or add a diced hot pepper(?!)
1 can of cannelloni beans (drain off the liquid and rinse with water)
1 medium - large onion, finely diced
2 -3 cloves garlic, finely diced
2 T olive oil
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Saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil. Add all other ingredients except the beans, into a large oval crock pot and add the cooked onion and garlic. (If you want this to cook more quickly, you can precook the veges in the skillet as well or give them a quick steam in the m-wave.) If the soup needs more liquid, add more stock or a bit of water to cover. Cook until the flavors have balanced and blended, and vegetables are cooked to your liking. Correct seasoning and add the beans. Leave to cook another 30 minutes. You can also add a bit of cooked pasta with the beans, just make sure it's super al dente so that it doesn't overcook to mush in the soup. Serve with a bit of chopped, fresh parsley for color and maybe a bit of freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese to finish. Also, maybe a swirl of olive oil if you like and some warm, crusty bread.
I usually cook this on low for about 6 hours if the vegetables aren't precooked. You can correct the seasonings to suit your palate, change up the veges, add protein, etc.., so jazz it up or down. I've added cooked, shredded chicken in with the beans and it was really good. :) Hope you like it.