SPRING VEGETABLE SOUP WITH PESTO

Spring Vegetable Soup With Pesto image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 cup dried navy or white beans, rinsed
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 medium leeks, diced and rinsed well
2 medium carrots, diced
8 ounces Red Bliss or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 pound plum tomatoes, cubed
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
4 ounces green beans, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 small zucchini, cubed
1 cup fresh shelled or thawed frozen peas
1 teaspoon coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 small garlic cloves
2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

Cover beans with 6 cups cold water in a large pot. Bring to a boil; remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 1 hour.
Drain beans; return to pot. Cover with 3 quarts cold water. Add bay leaf and thyme; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, partially covered, until beans are barely tender, about 2 hours.
Add leeks, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, broth, and 2 cups water. Simmer, partially covered, until the beans are tender, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Make pesto: Finely chop garlic in a food processor. Add basil; process. Add cheese and oil; process until combined.
Add green beans and zucchini to pot. Cook, uncovered, 20 minutes. Add peas; cook until soft, 5 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls; top each with 1 heaping teaspoon pesto.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 282 g, Cholesterol 3 g, Fat 7 g, Fiber 14 g, Protein 14 g, Sodium 361 g