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Rustic Slow-Cooker French Peasant Soup

prep time:15 minutes
cook time:8 hours 30 minutes
total time:8 hours 45 minutes
This is a simple, comforting crockpot soup inspired by rustic French cooking. It features root vegetables like potatoes and carrots, along with fennel for a distinct aromatic flavor. It's seasoned with Herbes de Provence and finished with heavy cream and butter for richness.
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Ingredients

~6 servings

  • 4 1/2 medium red potatoes peeled & diced
  • 6 large carrots peeled & diced
  • 1 1/2 medium fennel bulbs reserve fronds for garnish, roughly chopped
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth) 48-oz
  • 2 1/4 tsp Herbes de Provence
  • 2 1/4 tsp Fleur de Sel or sea salt
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried minced onion
  • 3/4 tsp black pepper
  • Heaping 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp salted butter

Instructions

  • Combine potatoes, carrots, fennel, broth, herbs, salt, vinegar, onion, peppers in slow cooker.
  • Stir ingredients and cook on low for 8 hours until vegetables are tender.
  • Whisk cornstarch with small amount of cream until smooth.
  • Increase cooker to high, add cornstarch mixture, remaining cream, and butter.
  • Cook 30 minutes more to thicken.
  • Garnish with fennel fronds before serving.

Notes

Use low-sodium broth for best flavor control.