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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
