Best Bean Basil Soup Recipes

TOMATO AND CANNELLINI BEAN SOUP WITH GARLIC AND BASIL

Steps:

• In 8-inch skillet, heat unpeeled garlic over low heat (you are dry-roasting the garlic, so there is no need for oil) 25 to 30 minutes, turning occasionally, until peel is light brown and clove feels soft inside when you touch it. (Don't rush the process by turning up the heat; garlic may burn and become bitter.) Remove garlic from skillet; set garlic aside.
• In 3-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly crisp around edges. Add onion, carrot and celery. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften but do not brown. Add finely chopped garlic and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add broth, water, beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, anchovies, the cheese rind, bay leaves and rosemary; heat to boiling. (When you've used a piece of Parmesan cheese, save the rind in the freezer. If you don't have a rind, you may want to sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.) Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Peel cooled, roasted garlic cloves and place in small bowl. Add butter, salt, red pepper and pepper. Use a fork to mash garlic to a smooth paste. Spoon garlic paste into hot soup and stir well to incorporate. Sprinkle with basil and stir well. Remove bay leaves and rosemary sprig.

CREAMY CANNELLINI BEAN-AMARANTH SOUP WITH BASIL

Steps:

• Cut the root end from the leeks and slice them in half vertically, then rinse throughly to remove all grit. Slice the leeks ands saute the olive oil over medium heat in a 2 quart saucepan. When the leeks are golden and soft add the garlic and cook for a minute, then add the amaranth, stock, bay leaf, and tomato puree, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 30 minutes.
• Put half of the beans into a food processor bowl. Puree until smooth. When the amaranth mixture is done, remove the ba leaf, then carefully pour the mixture into the processor and puree. Cover the top of the feed tube with a folded towel as you process, to keep hot liquid from flying out. Pour the puree back into the pan.
• Sire the remaining beans and the chopped herbs into the hot soup, and warm gently on the stove for 5 minutes or so. If desired, thin with water or more stock. Season with the salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with whole grain bread.

BEAN & BASIL SOUP

Steps:

• In large saucepan, bring chicken stock to a boil over medium heat. Add tomatoes, onion and oregano and simmer about 10 minutes. Add beans and continue cooking until onion is tender, about another 10 minutes.
• In blender or food processor, finely chop the garlic and basil. Add olive oil and process until combined. Using a slotted spoon, transfer half the beans and veggies to the basil mixture. Process until smooth, then stir puree back into the soup.
• Cook pasta, reserving 1 cup of cooking water. Stir the pasta into the soup and season with salt and pepper. If the soup is too thick, thin out with the pasta cooking water.
• Garnish with basil and serve.

ONTARIO BEAN SOUP WITH BASIL

Steps:

• Saute onion in butter for 5 minutes.
• Add garlic, potatoes, carrots, and celery.
• Saute for 5 minutes.
• Add stock, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and basil.
• Boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add green beans, peas, both beans and pasta.
• Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add parsley and serve sprinkled with cheese.