When the weather turns cold and the evenings are spent in the warmth of your home, there's nothing more comforting than a bowl of steaming soup. Infuse a new twist into your winter meal plan with the vibrant flavors of pesto. Not only does it add a burst of green freshness, but it also brings a rich, nutty, and aromatic flavor to your soups. Here are seven delicious pesto soup recipes that are sure to warm your heart and elevate your culinary skills.
1. Basil Pesto Minestrone Soup
Start with the classic minestrone and elevate it with a dollop of homemade basil pesto. Here’s how you can make this hearty, veggie-packed soup:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 chopped onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Add 2 diced carrots, 1 diced zucchini, 2 diced potatoes, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes, 6 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of small pasta like ditalini, cook until al dente.
- Stir in a generous spoonful of basil pesto, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with a garnish of fresh basil.
2. Spinach and Pesto Chicken Soup
A comforting twist on chicken soup with the addition of spinach and a swirl of pesto:
- In a pot, cook 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in olive oil.
- Add 2 sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink.
- Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
- Once simmering, add 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves.
- Before serving, swirl in a couple of tablespoons of store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
- Garnish with Parmesan shavings.
3. Creamy Pesto Mushroom Soup
This indulgent soup brings together the earthiness of mushrooms with the bright flavors of pesto:
- Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in butter until soft.
- Add 1 pound of sliced mushrooms (a mix of button, cremini, and shiitake works well) and cook until browned.
- Dust with 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for another minute.
- Slowly pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of pesto.
- Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until soup thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and perhaps a dash of nutmeg.
- Garnish with toasted pine nuts.
4. Carrot and Ginger Pesto Soup
A unique and vibrant soup that combines the sweetness of carrots with the kick of ginger:
- In a pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add 1 chopped onion, and cook until soft.
- Add 1 tablespoon of grated ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for a minute.
- Incorporate 1 pound of chopped carrots and enough chicken or vegetable stock to cover.
- Simmer until carrots are tender.
- Puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of your favorite pesto.
- Serve with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
🥕 Note: You can adjust the pungency of the ginger to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder soup, use less ginger or add it in after blending.
5. Italian Pesto Lentil Soup
This hearty soup is perfect for vegetarians looking for protein-packed warmth:
- In a large pot, sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery rib in olive oil.
- Add 1 cup of rinsed lentils, a can of diced tomatoes, 6 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 teaspoon each of thyme and oregano.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cooking until lentils are soft.
- Once lentils are done, stir in 2 tablespoons of pesto and let it meld with the soup.
- Serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
| Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Lentils | Chickpeas or White Beans |
| Vegetable Broth | Chicken Broth (for non-vegetarians) |
6. Pesto Pumpkin Soup
Celebrate fall with this vibrant pumpkin soup infused with pesto:
- Roast 1 small pumpkin until soft, scoop out the flesh.
- Sauté 1 chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove in olive oil.
- Add the pumpkin, 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock, 1 teaspoon of curry powder, and simmer.
- Puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of pesto, adjusting the consistency with more stock if needed.
- Season with salt, pepper, and serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
7. Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Tortellini Soup
Add a gourmet touch to your meal with this rich and creamy soup:
- In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil, add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Stir in a jar of sun-dried tomatoes, cook for 3 minutes.
- Add 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, add 1 package of cheese tortellini, and cook until al dente.
- Stir in 1 cup of cream and 2 tablespoons of basil pesto.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
In this heartwarming culinary journey, we’ve explored the versatility of pesto in elevating traditional soups to new heights. Each recipe offers a unique blend of flavors, texture, and nutrition, making them perfect for winter dinners or any time you crave comfort food. The magic of pesto isn’t just in its vivid green color but in the way it instantly transforms a simple dish into a gourmet experience. Experiment with these recipes, and you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy pesto.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
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Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought pesto to save time. Look for a high-quality brand with minimal preservatives for the best flavor.
What other ingredients can I add to these soups?
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You can personalize these soups with ingredients like spinach, kale, beans, or even different types of pasta to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Can I make pesto at home?
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Definitely! Homemade pesto is simple to make and can be adjusted for flavor. Blend basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
