This hearty and vegetarian White Bean Soup is one for the books! We're loading in plenty of nutritious ingredients with loads of "hidden" veggies. This protein-packed soup is ultra thick, creamy, and hearty without needing any cream, milk, or thickening agents. We thicken this soup with the beans!
SAUTEVEGGIES: Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a large pot over medium heat. Once oil is hot, add in the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring frequently for 8-10 minutes or until onion is golden and soft. Add in garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
TOMATO PASTE: Add in the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and tomato paste. Season to taste with salt and pepper (I add ½ tsp fine sea salt and ¼ tsp pepper). Mix and then cook, stirring frequently for 7-9 minutes or until veggies are very tender and tomato paste has become very thick/darkened in color. Don't try to rush this step-- we are adding flavor and ensuring the veggies won't end up crunchy (they don't soften much more). Add in the seasonings: dried thyme, dried crushed rosemary, red pepper flakes. Mix through.
STOCK AND BEANS: Slowly pour in the vegetable stock while scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Add in the drained and rinsed beans and stir. Bring soup to a boil and then lower the heat until soup is very gently simmering. Simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes.
BLEND: Remove pot from the heat. Remove 2 cups of the soup and transfer into a blender. Blend until completely smooth and then pour back into the pot (use a spatula to scrape it all back in!). Mix to combine. Add in 3 tablespoons pesto and stir through. Taste and adjust seasonings, I typically add another ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt here -- the flavors should sing!
SERVE: Serve immediately, spooning soup into bowls and drizzle in another 1/2 tablespoon (or more -- to taste preference!) of pesto into bowls. Serve with fresh thyme if desired and with crusty artisan bread for dunking!
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Notes
Note 1: Basil pesto: I recommend getting refrigerated, freshly-made basil pesto, which you can find near refrigerated fresh pasta and gourmet cheese. Rana’s® Basil Pesto is our personal favorite store-bought pesto sauce.