Green Vegetable Soup

Ingredients -

1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 medium White Onion, finely chopped
1 large Leek, split, thinly sliced and rinsed in colander or strainer
1 Celery Stalk, thinly sliced
1 Garlic Clove, minced
6 cups Cold Water
1 medium Potato, diced
1 Parsnip, finely diced
1 small Turnip, diced
1 cup Frozen Green Beans, thawed
5-1/2 ounces Frozen Peas, thawed
2 small Zucchini, cut into fourths lengthwise and sliced
1 (14 ounces) can Small Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
3-1/2 ounces Spinach Leaves, cut into thin ribbons
Salt and Pepper

Pesto:
1 large Garlic Clove, very finely chopped
1/2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
1 cup Grated Fresh Parmesan Cheese
4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

 
Preparation:

1. Add oil to stockpot. Heat over medium-high heat.

2. Sauté chopped onion and leeks 5 minutes, or until vegetables become soft. Stir occasionally.

3. Stir in chopped celery, chopped carrot and minced garlic. Sauté 5 more minutes.

4. Stir in cold water, diced potatoes, diced parsnip, diced turnip, and green beans.

5. Bring to a boil over medium high heat.

6. Reduce heat to low. Cover stockpot and simmer 5 minutes.

7. Stir in peas, sliced zucchini, and small Cannellini beans.

8. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes.

Pesto:
1. Put chopped garlic, fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil in blender.

2. Puree until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary.

To serve:
1. Stir spinach into soup and simmer 5 minutes.

2. Stir a tablespoonful of the pesto into the soup.

3. Ladle into individual soup bowls and garnish with remaining pesto.

 
 


Soup Making Tip
Cannellini Beans
Cannellini beans are excellent in soups. The bean is smooth and creamy, with a firm texture and a nutty flavor.

Soup Making Tip
Cannellini Beans
Cannellini beans are available in most supermarkets in canned or dried form. Cook them slowly and gently in soups for best results.