• Vegetable and Pesto Soup

    by  • 15 Jan ’12 • profile • 5 Comments

    I love this super easy, hearty, delicious soup. It’s perfect for a cold Sunday afternoon. Serve with a loaf of rustic bread and a peppery California Zinfandel. The trick to pairing wine with the flavor of pesto is find a wine that has a powerful flavor and bright acidity. A good California Zinfandel is perfection in a bottle.

    Pesto:
    2 cups (packed) fresh basil leaves
    1/2 cup drained canned diced tomatoes
    3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    3 garlic cloves, peeled

    Soup:
    2 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), chopped
    2 medium carrots, peeled, diced
    1 6-ounce white-skinned potato, peeled, dice
    3 tablespoons water
    8 cups canned vegetable broth
    1/2 cup orzo
    6 ounces green beans, trimmed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
    1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed, drained
    1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
    2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

    For pesto:
    Puree all ingredients in processor. Season with salt and pepper. (Pesto can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

    For soup:
    Combine first 4 ingredients in heavy large pot. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until vegetables are almost tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 -12 minutes. Add broth; bring to boil. Stir in orzo; boil uncovered until orzo is almost tender, stirring often, about 12 minutes. Add green beans; reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender, about 6 minutes. Stir in cannellini and crushed pepper; simmer until heated through, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

    Divide pesto among 4 bowls. Ladle soup over pesto; swirl to blend. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons cheese.

    5 Responses to Vegetable and Pesto Soup

    1. Pingback: Winter Vegetable Soup with Pesto | Shelterholic Now

    2. 16 Jan ’12 at 12:12 pm

      cannot wait to make this this week. thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • allthebest
        16 Jan ’12 at 12:41 pm

        you are welcome! enjoy!

    3. 16 Jan ’12 at 12:13 pm

      You had me at “pesto.”

      Reply

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