You know, sometimes the simplest things can bring the most joy—like this Easy White Bean Spinach Pesto Soup. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, especially on those unexpected chilly evenings when all you crave is comfort. Picture this:
creamy beans, vibrant spinach, and that herby pesto swirl. It’s all happiness, no fuss.
Steps
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine chicken stock and drained white beans. Heat the mixture over medium-high until it starts to boil.
- Lower the heat to a simmer, then add fresh spinach and pesto. Stir gently until the spinach wilts.
- Add salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup in bowls and generously sprinkle with freshly-grated Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
- 2 (19 oz.) cans white beans (e.g., Great Northern), drained
- 2 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
- 2 tablespoons pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
- Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
FAQ
- Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock to keep the soup vegetarian.
- What type of white beans should I use for this soup?
- Great Northern beans are recommended, but you can use any white beans you have on hand.
- Is it possible to add extra ingredients to this soup?
- Absolutely! You can add freshly-squeezed lemon juice for extra flavor or incorporate cooked chicken or another protein for additional substance.
- How can I make this soup even quicker to prepare?
- Since the recipe already takes only 8 minutes, ensure you have pre-prepared pesto and canned beans ready to speed up the process.
- What can I use as a topping instead of Parmesan cheese?
- If you prefer a different topping, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or sprinkle some toasted nuts for added crunch.
Tips
- Stock Selection: Use chicken or vegetable stock depending on your dietary preference. Both options work well, but vegetable stock keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Pesto Preparation: If possible, use homemade pesto for a fresher taste. You can freeze extra batches during the summer to ensure you always have some on hand.
- Enhance with Lemon: Adding a few tablespoons of freshly-squeezed lemon juice to the broth can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing tang.
- Protein Addition: For a heartier meal, consider incorporating cooked chicken or another protein of your choice to increase the soup’s nutritional value and make it more filling.
Equipment
- Medium-sized saucepan – While many households have saucepans, if you’re looking for a specific size or type (e.g., stainless steel or non-stick), you might find this on Amazon.
- Ladle – Used for serving the soup into bowls. If you don’t have one, this could be useful to buy.
- Grater – For grating fresh Parmesan cheese. If you want a specific type, like a microplane or box grater, you can find these on Amazon.
