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Creamy White Bean Pesto Soup for Cozy Nights In Recipe


  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Creamy White Bean Pesto Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish, perfect for cozy nights in. Blending fresh herbs, creamy cannellini beans, and a homemade pesto packed with basil, parsley, and almonds creates a rich, flavorful soup that is both hearty and vibrant. The addition of baby spinach and a hint of red chili flakes adds freshness and a subtle kick, making it a well-balanced, delicious meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.


Ingredients

Scale

Pesto Ingredients

  • 2 cups Fresh Basil
  • 1 cup Fresh Parsley
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1/2 cup Blanched Almonds
  • 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast
  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Soup Ingredients

  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 2 stalks Celery, diced
  • 2 cans Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups Vegetable Stock
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black Pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine fresh basil, parsley, garlic, blanched almonds, nutritional yeast, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside the pesto mixture.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables become translucent and soft.
  3. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and red chili flakes (if using). Cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained cannellini beans and vegetable stock to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Incorporate Pesto and Spinach: Stir the prepared pesto into the soup along with the baby spinach. Continue simmering for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
  6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh basil with cilantro or mint for a unique flavor twist in the pesto.
  • Adding diced carrots along with celery can introduce a subtle sweetness to the soup.
  • Use low-sodium vegetable stock to control the salt level in the soup.
  • If you prefer a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup before adding the pesto and spinach.
  • For a vegan cheese flavor, nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free substitute.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Keywords: white bean soup, pesto soup, creamy soup, vegan soup, healthy soup, cannellini beans, basil pesto, cozy meals