Name: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 390 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 (16 ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 large onion, diced; 0.5 cup barley; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.5 teaspoon dried basil; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 bay leaf; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 0.25 cup vegetable shortening (such as Crisco®)

Cook Time: 360 minutes

Vegetable Stew with Dumplings

This hearty vegetable stew with dumplings is the perfect comfort food, combining a variety of vegetables and spices simmered to perfection. The addition of soft, homemade dumplings makes this dish a filling meal for any occasion. Follow these simple steps to make this wholesome recipe in your slow cooker.

Ingredients (Serves 8)

6 1/4 cups vegetable broth, or more if needed
1 (16 ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 large onion, diced
cup barley
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
teaspoon dried basil
teaspoon salt
teaspoon ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 cups all-purpose flour
cup vegetable shortening (such as Crisco)

Directions

Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine 6 cups vegetable broth, frozen mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes with juice, cubed potatoes, diced onion, barley, minced garlic, dried parsley, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to mix everything evenly.

Step 2: Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours. During this time, the vegetables will become tender and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Step 3: While the stew is cooking, prepare the dumplings. Place the flour in a large mixing bowl and cut the vegetable shortening into the flour using a pastry blender or two knives. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Add the remaining cup of vegetable broth to the flour mixture. Stir with a fork until the dough comes together and no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl.

Step 5: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into strips or small squares.

Step 6: After the stew has been cooking for 5 to 6 hours, gently add the dumplings to the slow cooker. Stir to ensure they are submerged in the broth. Cover and cook for an additional hour, or until the dumplings are soft and cooked through in the middle.

Step 7: Once the dumplings are cooked, taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious vegetable stew with homemade dumplings!