Best 13 Minestrone With Pesto Recipes

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Minestrone with pesto is a delightful Italian soup that combines the flavors of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and aromatic herbs. It is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a popular choice for home cooks and restaurants alike. This article will guide you through the steps involved in creating a delicious and flavorful minestrone with pesto, providing tips and suggestions to help you craft a dish that will impress your family and friends.

Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!

PESTO MINESTRONE



Pesto Minestrone image

Natalie Cataldo relies on store-bought pesto to provide mild flavor to this chunky tortellini and vegetable soup. "It's a hit in my house," says the Des Moines, Iowa cook. "If you don't like zucchini, use another vegetable," she suggests.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2-1/4 cups water
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) vegetable broth
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cups diced zucchini
2 tablespoons prepared pesto

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the water, mixed vegetables, broth, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 3 minutes. , Add the tortellini, zucchini and pesto. Simmer, uncovered, 7-9 minutes longer or until pasta and vegetables are tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337 calories, Fat 12g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 30mg cholesterol, Sodium 1063mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 15g protein.

A VEGGIE-PACKED MINESTRONE WITH PESTO SOUP RECIPE



A Veggie-Packed Minestrone With Pesto Soup Recipe image

Nearly 9 out of 10 Americans don't consume enough fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, but there are simple ways to change the amount...

Provided by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding

Categories     Dinner, Lunch, Snack

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion
chopped
2 cloves garlic
minced
8 oz Yukon gold or red potatoes
cubed
2 medium carrots
peeled and chopped
1 medium zucchini
chopped
8 oz green beans
ends trimmed
halved
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
8 cups low-sodium chicken stock (or a mixture of stock and water)
½ tsp dried thyme
½ (14-16 oz) can white beans (aka cannellini)
drained
Pesto Parmesan for grating

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and green beans. Season with a bit of salt and cook, stirring for 3 to 4 minutes to release the vegetables' aromas. Add the tomatoes, stock, and thyme and turn the heat down to low. Season with salt (if still needed) and pepper to taste. Simmer for at least 15 minutes, and up to 45. Before serving, stir in the white beans and heat through. Serve with a dollop of pesto and bit of grated Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 200

SHELLFISH MINESTRONE WITH BASIL PESTO



Shellfish Minestrone With Basil Pesto image

This is quite similar to minestrone al pesto or soupe au pistou. But this rustic soup goes aquatic, adding shellfish (or bivalves and cephalopods if you want to quibble), which seem to go perfectly with beans, peas and basil (no nuts or cheese in the pesto, by the way).

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, soups and stews, main course

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 to 6 main course servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

2 ounces fresh basil leaves, a large fistful
1 ounce Italian parsley leaves and tender stems, a small handful
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced, about 2 cups
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced carrot
Salt and pepper
Pinch red pepper flakes
Pinch saffron
8 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
Small bundle fresh thyme sprigs
1 cup chopped tomato
1 cup cooked cannellini beans or fresh shell beans
24 littleneck clams, well rinsed
7 cups hot fish stock or chicken broth
1 pound squid, cut crosswise in 1/2-inch rings, plus tentacles
1 cup small green peas
1 cup blanched and peeled fava beans, optional

Steps:

  • Make the basil pesto: Put basil, parsley and 2 chopped garlic cloves in a blender. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Add 1/2 cup olive oil and purée on high speed, scraping down sides as necessary. Pour into a small serving bowl, cover tightly and set aside.
  • Make the soup: Put 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery and carrot, season generously with salt and pepper and stir to coat. Cook for about 2 minutes, until softened. Add red pepper, saffron, 8 cloves minced garlic, bay leaf and thyme and let sizzle, then add tomato and simmer a few minutes more.
  • Stir in cannellini beans. Add clams, in one layer if possible, and 1 cup water. Turn heat to high and put on lid. Keep at a rapid simmer until all clams have opened, about 5 minutes. (If desired, remove clams, shuck them and return shucked clams to pot.) Add fish stock and bring to a simmer. Taste broth and adjust seasoning.
  • Just before serving, add squid, peas and fava beans, if desired, and simmer for 2 minutes. Ladle into shallow soup bowls and stir 2 teaspoons basil purée into each.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 464, UnsaturatedFat 21 grams, Carbohydrate 25 grams, Fat 27 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 32 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 1332 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

SUMMER MINESTRONE AL PESTO



Summer Minestrone al Pesto image

Some vegetable soups are complex and long-simmered. This light, brothy one brims with full-flavored summer vegetables for a minestrone that comes together in a half an hour or so. If you don't have a vegetable garden, look to the farmers' market for the freshest, sweetest produce. For a warm-weather lunch or supper, the simplicity of this soup is very appealing.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, lunch, weekday, soups and stews, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced, about 1 1/2 cups
Salt and pepper
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Pinch of crushed red pepper
Splash of white wine (optional)
2 large very ripe sweet tomatoes, chopped (about 2 cups)
3 or 4 zucchini or summer squash, chopped into roughly 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
1/2 pound romano beans, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths (about 2 cups)
2 cups small, dry pasta, such as pennette or orecchiette
1/2 pound small green beans, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 medium garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
Salt and pepper
2 cups basil leaves, loosely packed, washed and dried
1 cup parsley leaves, loosely packed, washed and dried
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

Steps:

  • Set a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat, and add olive oil. When oil is hot, add onion and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened and just beginning to color, 5 or 6 minutes.
  • Add garlic, bay leaf, tomato paste and red pepper. Cook, stirring, for another minute, then add wine, if using, and tomatoes, and bring to a brisk simmer.
  • Add 8 cups water and a good pinch of salt and let mixture return to a brisk simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, then taste for seasoning. The broth should be well seasoned before the vegetables go in.
  • Make the pesto: As the broth simmers, pound the garlic and salt to a paste in a large mortar. Beginning with a few basil leaves at a time, pound basil to a paste, then add parsley leaves and a little salt. Continue to pound until all the basil and parsley have been pounded into a coarse green paste. (Alternatively, many people may wish to make the pesto in a food processor.)
  • Transfer to a serving bowl and whisk in olive oil and Parmesan. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Set pesto aside covered with a thin layer of oil or with plastic film pressed against its surface to prevent oxidation.
  • Add the zucchini, romano beans and pasta to the simmering broth and cook 7 to 8 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Add green beans and cook for a minute or 2.
  • Ladle soup into bowls, topping each with a dollop of pesto. Pass more grated Parmesan at the table.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 789, UnsaturatedFat 44 grams, Carbohydrate 65 grams, Fat 54 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 1273 milligrams, Sugar 13 grams

MINESTRONE WITH PESTO



Minestrone with Pesto image

Minestrone is a thick, mixed vegetable soup using almost any combination of seasonal vegetables. Short cuts of pasta or rice may also be added. This version includes pesto sauce.

Provided by Lizz C.

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes     Minestrone

Time 1h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 leek, sliced
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
6 ¼ cups hot vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 sprig fresh thyme
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 zucchini, finely chopped, or more to taste
¾ cup fresh peas
3 medium tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
2 cups cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons pesto sauce
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

Steps:

  • Heat oil over medium heat in a stockpot. Stir in leek and onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Add carrots, celery, and garlic; cook for 5 minutes. Add potatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more.
  • Pour hot vegetable broth into the pot and stir well. Add bay leaf and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and let simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Stir in zucchini and peas. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, cover, and let simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Uncover the pot and stir in beans. Let simmer for 10 minutes; stir in pesto sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 3 to 4 minutes. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 321.3 calories, Carbohydrate 44.6 g, Cholesterol 3.2 mg, Fat 11.9 g, Fiber 10.2 g, Protein 10.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 813.7 mg, Sugar 9.7 g

SLOW-COOKER PESTO MINESTRONE



Slow-Cooker Pesto Minestrone image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 7h25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 carrots, chopped
2 leeks (white and light green parts), halved lengthwise, sliced and rinsed
2 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 bulb fennel, trimmed, cored and chopped, plus chopped fronds for topping
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 15-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus 1 small parmesan rind
3 tablespoons pesto, plus more for topping
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup ditalini pasta
4 slices rosemary focaccia bread

Steps:

  • Toss the carrots, leeks, potatoes and fennel with the olive oil in a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker. Add 5 cups water, the tomatoes, parmesan rind, 2 tablespoons pesto, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cover and cook on high until the vegetables are tender, 7 to 8 hours.
  • Uncover and stir in the beans and ditalini. Cover and continue cooking on high until the pasta is al dente, about 15 minutes. Remove the parmesan rind. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon pesto and season with salt and pepper. Top each serving with more pesto, the parmesan and fennel fronds. Serve with the focaccia.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 610, Fat 17 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Cholesterol 4 milligrams, Sodium 1186 milligrams, Carbohydrate 97 grams, Fiber 13 grams, Protein 20 grams, Sugar 11 grams

VEGETABLE MINESTRONE WITH PESTO



Vegetable Minestrone with Pesto image

Provided by Gianni Scappin

Categories     Soup/Stew     Bean     Potato     Tomato     Vegetarian     Lunch     Spinach     Zucchini     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 large stalk celery, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 large carrot, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 small leek, white and pale green parts only, washed and chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 large russet potato, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup fava beans (freshly shelled, or soaked if dry)
1 cup canned crushed plum tomatoes, with their juices
1 medium zucchini, trimmed and chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch-long pieces
1/2 cup shelled fresh or frozen peas
1 cup loosely packed chopped fresh spinach (or any fresh greens with stems removed if necessary)
One roughly 2-inch-square Parmigiano-Reggiano rind, rinsed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup pesto

Steps:

  • 1. In a medium saucepan over moderate heat, warm the oil. Add the onion, celery, carrot, leek, potato, and parsley, and sauté, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
  • 2. Add the fava beans, tomatoes, zucchini, and 2 quarts of water to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then add the green beans, peas, spinach, and the Parmigiano-Reggiano rind. Reduce the heat to moderately low, season to taste with salt and pepper, and simmer until the beans and potatoes are fully cooked and tender, about 20 minutes.
  • 3. Remove and discard the Parmigiano-Reggiano rind. Divide the soup among heated soup bowls and top with the pesto. Note: You may cool, cover, and refrigerate the soup up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

CHICKEN MINESTRONE WITH PESTO



Chicken Minestrone With Pesto image

Make and share this Chicken Minestrone With Pesto recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Vino Girl

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 8h20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice, undrained
4 cups chicken broth
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut in 1-in . chunks
1 medium baking potato, peeled and diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup carrot
1/2 cup celery
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (16 ounce) can white kidney beans, rinsed (cannellini)
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup frozen cut green beans, thawed
3 cups refrigerated prepared basil pesto

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients except the cannellini beans, zucchini, green beans and pesto in a 4-qt or larger slow-cooker.
  • Cover and cook on low 7 to 9 hours until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in cannellini beans, zucchini and green beans. Cover and cook on high 15 minutes, or until zucchini is tender.
  • Spoon into bowls; top servings with pesto.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345.1, Fat 6.2, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 63, Sodium 1115.5, Carbohydrate 51.6, Fiber 21.6, Sugar 9.3, Protein 29.8

MINESTRONE WITH PESTO



Minestrone with Pesto image

This minestrone recipe adds pesto for a unique and slightly nutty take on the classic soup.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Soups, Stews & Stocks     Soup Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 32

3/4 cup dried cannellini beans (5 ounces)
8 cups water, plus more for soaking
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 dried bay leaf
2 ounces prosciutto ends (optional), cut into pieces
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large celery stalk, minced
1 medium carrot, peeled and minced
1 large onion, peeled and minced (1 cup)
1 medium leek, white and pale-green parts only, quartered lengthwise, sliced 1/4 inch thick, and washed well
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 large celery stalks, sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 carrots, peeled and sliced on the diagonal 1/4 inch thick
1 large red potato, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced 1/4 inch thick
1/4 pound green beans, trimmed and cut on the diagonal into 1-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) whole peeled plum tomatoes, crushed and juice reserved
1 bunch Tuscan kale (about 5 ounces), tough stems removed, leaves cut crosswise into 1/2-inch strips
1/4 head savoy cabbage, cored and very thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
4 cups vegetable stock
1 rind (about 3 inches) Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus freshly grated cheese for serving (optional)
4 ounces prosciutto ends (optional)
1 dried bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Basil pesto, for serving (optional)
3 garlic cloves, peeled
2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (grated on medium holes of a box grater)
1/2 cup best-quality extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Place beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water by 2 inches. Refrigerate 8 to 12 hours, then drain. Combine beans and 8 cups water in a large saucepan. Add onion, bay leaf, and prosciutto ends, if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until beans are just tender (but not mushy, as they should hold their shape in the soup), 30 to 45 minutes. Drain, reserving beans and 4 cups liquid; strain reserved liquid. Discard onion, bay leaf, and prosciutto, and cover beans.
  • Heat the oil in a large stockpot over medium-low heat until shimmering. Add celery, carrot, and onions, and cook, stirring often to prevent them from scorching on the bottom, until deep golden brown, about 30 minutes.
  • Add leek and garlic to soffrito and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 4 minutes. Raise heat to medium-high, and then add sliced celery and carrots along with the potato, zucchini, and green beans. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are golden, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in reserved bean liquid, the tomatoes and juice, kale, cabbage, stock, cheese rind, prosciutto ends (if using), bay leaf, and red pepper flakes; season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook 1 hour.
  • Stir in beans and continue cooking until all vegetables are very tender, 20 to 30 minutes more.
  • For basil pesto, cover garlic in a small saucepan with water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately drain and let garlic cool to room temperature.
  • With a large mortar and pestle, pound together basil, garlic, pine nuts, and salt until the basil is pulverized and the pine nuts and garlic are pasty, about 10 minutes. Add the cheese and pound to incorporate. Mixing vigorously, pour in the oil in a slow steady stream, and mix until combined (it will not be emulsified). Serve immediately or cover with a layer of oil and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
  • Ladle soup into bowls, incorporating beans and vegetables in each and top with pesto and grated cheese, if desired. The soup can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days; thin with water, if necessary, before reheating over gentle heat.

GREEN PESTO MINESTRONE



Green pesto minestrone image

A generous grating of parmesan balances the citrus in this fresh, healthy pesto soup. A simple veggie supper you can serve with fluffy garlic flatbreads

Provided by Esther Clark

Categories     Dinner, Soup, Supper

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion , finely chopped
2 celery sticks , finely chopped
1.4l vegetable stock
2 small lemons , zested and juiced
170g orzo
120g frozen peas
250g frozen spinach
50g pesto
garlic flatbreads , to serve (optional)
60g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), grated

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add the onion, celery and a pinch of salt, and fry for 8 mins until soft. Add the stock with the zest and juice of the lemons, and season. Stir in the orzo and cook for 5 mins, then add the peas and spinach, and cook for a further 5 mins. Swirl though the pesto and season.
  • Heat the flatbreads, if using, following pack instructions. Ladle the soup generously into bowls and top with a handful of parmesan. Serve with the flatbread to dip.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334 calories, Fat 17 grams fat, SaturatedFat 5 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 24 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 9 grams sugar, Fiber 8 grams fiber, Protein 19 grams protein, Sodium 1.4 milligram of sodium

GENOESE MINESTRONE WITH PESTO



Genoese Minestrone With Pesto image

This is a very simple minestrone, but also rich in garden vegetables, with the all-important addition of a few spoonfuls of pesto just before serving. Adding this strongly flavored Genoese sauce to the soup gives it a character all of its own. The recipe came from: The Italian Gourmet

Provided by Chef mariajane

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/3 cup dried borlotti beans (red)
1/3 cup dried cannellini beans
2 zucchini, trimmed and diced
2 eggplants, trimmed and diced
3 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced
1 bunch celery, trimmed and diced
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
5 ounces macaroni or 5 ounces penne
2 tablespoons basil pesto (such as Buitoni)

Steps:

  • Soak the borlotti and cannellini beans for 12 hours in cold water to cover. Combine all the vegetables with the oil and salt in a large saucepan. Add cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, cover; reduce heat to moderately low, and cook for about 1 hour, until the beans are tender.
  • Add the pasta, turn up the heat and cook until the pasta is al dente. Turn off the heat, add the pesto and stir at once with a wooden spoon. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 404.2, Fat 8.5, SaturatedFat 1.3, Sodium 779, Carbohydrate 73.8, Fiber 17.2, Sugar 13.2, Protein 13.7

SUMMER MINESTRONE WITH PESTO



Summer Minestrone with Pesto image

Categories     Soup/Stew     Bean     Cheese     Tomato     Vegetable     Appetizer     Summer     Bon Appétit     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
6 cups low-salt chicken broth
2 carrots, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
2 celery stalks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 small red-skinned potatoes, quartered
1/2 pound green beans, trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 small zucchini, halved lengthwise, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 15-ounce can cannellini (white kidney beans), drained
2 tomatoes, peeled, crushed
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
6 tablespoons Classic Pesto
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 4 minutes. Add broth and next 7 ingredients. Increase heat to high and bring soup to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover pot, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in spinach; simmer 3 minutes longer. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into 6 bowls; garnish each with 1 tablespoon pesto. Serve, passing cheese separately.

RED WINTER MINESTRONE WITH WINTER GREENS PESTO



Red Winter Minestrone with Winter Greens Pesto image

The thing I like most about this soup is the pesto made from the greens of the beets and turnips, along with the kale. Yep, I'm going tip-to-tail. The soup itself gets its lovely red color from beets. You'll have more pesto than you need for the soup, so serve the leftovers over pasta or freeze for future soups. Serve the minestrone with crusty bread and a salad.

Provided by Oxbow Farm

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes     Minestrone

Time 1h5m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 25

1 bunch beet greens
1 bunch turnip greens
1 bunch kale
⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 ounce Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated
½ teaspoon kosher salt
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 white onion, finely chopped
2 Roma (plum) tomatoes, peeled and grated
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 bay leaf
1 pinch dried chili flakes
1 leek, white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise, cleaned, and cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 carrot, peeled and sliced
½ pound turnips, peeled and cubed
½ pound beets, peeled and cubed
1 cup dry white wine
2 cups cooked cannellini beans
½ cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
5 cups water
¼ cup chopped flat-leaf (Italian) parsley
½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water. Strip beet greens, turnip greens, and kale from their coarse stems and wash leaves well. Working in batches, cook each bunch in boiling water until bright green and slightly limp, about 1 minute. Transfer immediately to ice water and repeat with remaining greens. Discard cooking water.
  • Remove greens from ice water and squeeze out as much water as possible.
  • Combine greens, 2/3 cup olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in blender or food processor; blend until smooth. Transfer pesto to a bowl and cover surface with plastic wrap.
  • Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Stir in onion, grated tomato, 4 cloves minced garlic, rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, bay leaf, and chili flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes; reduce heat to low. Continue cooking and stirring until vegetables are a deep golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Pour remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over onion mixture. Stir in leek, carrot, turnips, and beets. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
  • Pour white wine over vegetable mixture and scrape browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Mix cannellini beans and green beans into vegetable mixture; pour in 5 cups water. Bring liquid to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until green beans are tender, about 5 minutes more. Stir in parsley and lemon juice.
  • Divide soup among heated bowls and serve with a generous dollop of the winter greens pesto.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 916.1 calories, Carbohydrate 65.7 g, Cholesterol 6.2 mg, Fat 61.4 g, Fiber 16.1 g, Protein 20.4 g, SaturatedFat 9.6 g, Sodium 808.1 mg, Sugar 11 g

Tips:

- Use a variety of vegetables to make your minestrone soup more flavorful and nutritious. Some good options include carrots, celery, onion, garlic, zucchini, green beans, and tomatoes. - If you don't have any pesto on hand, you can make your own by combining basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor. - To make your minestrone soup even more hearty, you can add cooked beans or pasta. - If you're short on time, you can use canned or frozen vegetables in your minestrone soup. - For a vegetarian version of minestrone soup, omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead.

Conclusion:

Minestrone soup is a delicious and versatile soup that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables, and it's also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy meal or a hearty and comforting soup, minestrone is a great option. So next time you're in the mood for soup, give minestrone a try!

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