Slow Cooker Green Minestrone with Fennel & Parmesan

A strip of Parmesan rind in the broth gives this minestrone soup a deep, layered flavor, and fresh fennel adds a bright anise note. You don't need much pesto here—swirl in just enough to tint the broth and release its fresh-basil scent. If you avoid cheese made with rennet, look for vegetarian Parmesan cheese, which is made without it.

Ingreadient

  • 8 cups unsalted vegetable broth
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 (2 inch) piece parmesan rind, plus shaved parmesan for serving
  • 1 small bulb fennel
  • ½ medium head savoy or napa cabbage (about 1 pound), cored and thinly sliced
  • 2 medium zucchini, halved and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup frozen shelled edamame
  • 1 (15 ounce) can white beans, rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons pesto
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 6 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil