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White Bean Pesto Soup Recipe

4.5 from 136 reviews

A wholesome and vibrant White Bean Pesto Soup combining the rich flavors of fresh herbs, creamy cannellini beans, and nutritious greens in a comforting, easy-to-make broth. This vegetarian soup delivers a fresh pesto twist, perfect for a nourishing lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pesto

  • 2 cups (50 g) fresh basil
  • 1 cup (60 g) fresh parsley
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup (30 g) blanched almonds
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the Soup

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 34 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 3 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups (1000 ml) vegetable stock
  • 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh basil, fresh parsley, garlic cloves, blanched almonds, nutritional yeast, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until completely smooth and set aside.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and celery, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and the celery softens, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and red chili flakes, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add beans and stock: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, then pour in the vegetable stock. Bring the soup to a simmer and let cook gently for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Incorporate pesto and greens: Stir the prepared pesto into the soup, mixing thoroughly. Add the baby spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  5. Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve hot, enjoying the fresh herbal flavors and creamy texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute blanched almonds with pine nuts or walnuts in the pesto for a different nutty flavor.
  • For a richer texture, blend part of the soup before adding the pesto to create a creamier consistency.
  • This soup freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • For added protein, consider garnishing with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan (if not vegan).

Keywords: white bean soup, pesto soup, vegetarian soup, cannellini beans, basil pesto, healthy soup, easy soup recipe