Description
A delicious and healthy pesto bean soup that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups Fresh Basil (Can replace with cilantro or mint)
- 1 cup Fresh Parsley (Use equal amounts of other fresh herbs if needed)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Adjust quantity for desired garlic intensity)
- 1/2 cup Blanched Almonds (Can swap for pine nuts or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast (Omit for a nut-free version or use vegan cheese)
- 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Substitute with avocado oil if desired)
- 1 medium Onion (Shallots can be used for a milder flavor)
- 2 stalks Celery (Carrots can be added for sweetness)
- 2 cans Cannellini Beans (Any white beans can be used if cannellini is unavailable)
- 4 cups Vegetable Stock (Water can be used in a pinch but will be less flavorful)
- 2 cups Baby Spinach (Good alternatives include kale or chard)
- to taste Salt (Adjust to taste based on dietary needs)
- to taste Black Pepper (Adjust to taste based on dietary needs)
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine fresh basil, parsley, garlic, blanched almonds, nutritional yeast, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until smooth and vibrant green, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside in a bowl.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and chopped celery, cooking until translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and a pinch of red chili flakes. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add drained cannellini beans and vegetable stock, stir well, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the prepared pesto and add baby spinach, simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnished with extra pesto or olive oil.
Notes
- This soup can be made nut-free by omitting the almonds and nutritional yeast.
- Feel free to substitute other fresh herbs based on your preference.
- This dish is great served with crusty bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg