Would it be boasting if I were to say this is the best soup in the universe? Ha! Yes, I thought so but truth is, it’s the best soup to come out of my kitchen. The flavours in this soup were …hmmm….scrumptious, delicious, ambrosial, yummy, titillating, exquisite, heavenly – ok, you get the picture, I`m sure. I made a giant pot of this soup and ate it for lunch and dinner for four days and still wanted more, lol. Ok, so much for the sales pitch – just give this a try, ok?
The key to this dish is lots of fresh parsley and homemade basil pesto. I love the way all of the vegetables came together in a perfect meld of flavours. This is a very versatile soup and you can change up some of the ingredients if they are not your favs. If you have a carnivore in the family and you`re in a hurry, pick up a rotisserie chicken and toss in some small shredded pieces. You can use any type of pasta that you prefer. This goes for the white beans as well. I used fresh tomatoes and I would recommend staying away from the canned ones in this recipe. You want it all fresh.
As I write this, it is snowing and I am amazed that we are still seeing the white stuff in the middle of April. We were all raking our lawns on the weekend and now the shovels are coming out again. Time for soup with Spring in it!
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 leek, white and light green parts, sliced thinly
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- kosher salt
- freshly ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- handful offresh parsley, chopped
- 10 cups chicken or vegetable stock (I used chicken)
- 1 cup white cannellini beans
- 2 tomatoes, chopped into small wedges
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 8 asparagus spears, cut into 1.5 inch pieces on the diagonal
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1.5 cups small pasta (ziti, fusilli, orecchiette,ruote)
- HOMEMADE BASIL PESTO
- 1 cup torn basil leaves
- 1/4 cup Parmesan or Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- large tablespoon walnuts or pine nuts
- salt and pepper to taste
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil on medium high heat. Add leek, shallot, carrot, salt and pepper and stir frequently until softened – 5-7 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and garlic, stirring for one minute until paste is well mixed with other ingredients.
- Add the stock, beans, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add pasta, turn down heat to medium high and cook for 10 minutes, keeping it at a low boil.
- Add the tomatoes, zucchini, asparagus, peas and mushrooms. Cook until tender – approximately 7 minutes.
- Stir in the pesto, stirring well for 2 minutes. Serve immediately.
- BASIL PESTO
- Combine basil and pine nuts in food processor, pulsing a few times to mix well.
- Add garlic and cheese, pulsing a few more times. Slowly drizzle the olive oil in while continuing to pulse until it forms the proper consistency. Salt and pepper to taste.
56 Comments
cheri
April 16, 2014 at 6:16 pmCan’t believe it is still snowing where you are, that’s crazy! Anyway, love this soup, looks fresh and springy and loaded with goodness.
cheri recently posted…Rosemary Butter Cookies
Robyn
April 17, 2014 at 1:16 pmIt’s much better today, Cheri. Mid 50’s and sunny. Maybe our bodies will soon start to thaw out, lol.
Thanks so much for your sweet comments. Happy Easter!
Robyn recently posted…Spring Vegetable Soup
Mindy
April 16, 2014 at 6:27 pmOh my do you have me salivating! I will definitely be trying this soup in the near future. So sorry you are still dealing with snow. This has been such a crazy spring for so many. Hope the sun is on its way for you soon friend.
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Robyn
April 17, 2014 at 1:18 pmOh, I so wish we lived closer, Mindy and you could bring over all your fresh veggies from your garden this summer and I would make this for you The sun is here today and it is warmer so I am a happy camper. Happy Easter to you and your lovely family, my friend. Hugs. xo
Robyn recently posted…Spring Vegetable Soup
Anita Rivera
April 17, 2014 at 5:56 amOh Robyn, SPRING SOUP! YES! Since we got another 4 inches of snow yesterday, soup is in order! And I love adding basil to the mix to give us a sneak peak into summer flavors. Your photos are ever so beautiful! Happy day! Anita
Robyn
April 17, 2014 at 2:35 pmOh my gosh, Anita, it’s never going to stop, is it? lol. I’m sure it will be August before we can plant our flowers! So glad you like the photos, I’ve been struggling with my photography quite a bit lately. I can’t seem to get it quite right, lol. Hope you have a lovely Easter, sweet Lady. Love and hugs. xoxo
Robyn recently posted…Spring Vegetable Soup
Marie
April 17, 2014 at 8:09 amRobyn, this soup looks amazing – a great choice for a cold spring day. The photos are gorgeous too!
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Robyn
April 17, 2014 at 2:36 pmThanks so much, Marie, and thanks for the tweet- you made my day! As I was saying to Anita, I’m not happy with my photos lately so I’m glad to hear that you like these ones. Happy Easter to you and your family. Hugs!
Robyn recently posted…Spring Vegetable Soup
Liliane de Paula Martins
April 17, 2014 at 9:07 amI love soup. I love vegetable soup.
Robyn
April 17, 2014 at 2:45 pmThanks, Liliane and thanks so much for your visit. I’m off to check out your blog :). Have a great weekend.
Robyn recently posted…Spring Vegetable Soup
Stephanie
April 17, 2014 at 9:18 amhaha… you made me smile about your soup 🙂 I will definitely have to try it after reading that it’s the best soup. I must say, it looks like the BEST soup with that Asparagus and Basil leaves – yum!!
Have a beautiful Easter, my friend. Love and hugs!
Stephanie recently posted…Spring Clothespins
Robyn
April 17, 2014 at 2:47 pmLOL, I am not going to be humble about this soup, Stephanie! And you must make it – or maybe your Mom could make it. You won’t regret it, I promise. Enjoy your Easter with your family. xoox
Robyn recently posted…Spring Vegetable Soup
Patty Haxton Anderson
April 17, 2014 at 5:00 pmAll my favorites in one bowl of lusciousness! Pinned it.
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Robyn
April 18, 2014 at 9:50 amLOL, Thanks for the kind words and pin, Patty. Loved your post on menu planning.
Robyn recently posted…Spring Vegetable Soup
Joanne T Ferguson
April 17, 2014 at 10:11 pmG’day! Looks delicious! GREAT photo!
Viewed as part of Let’s Get Real Easter Party!
Cheers! Joanne
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Robyn
April 18, 2014 at 9:51 amHi Joanne!
Thanks so much. I’m encouraged that folks like the photos and maybe I won’t have to toss my camera in the lake, after all, lol.
Happy Easter!
Robyn recently posted…Spring Vegetable Soup
jugglingrealfoodandreallife
April 18, 2014 at 8:54 amHi Robyn! I’m stopping over from Let’s Get Real today. Your soup does look pretty fantastic. We are still alternating between nice weather and snow which is crazy, but at least we get some nice days. The freshness of your soup really appeals to me. We are a family that likes to eat soup all year.
jugglingrealfoodandreallife recently posted…Let’s Get Real Friday Party #35
Robyn
April 18, 2014 at 9:52 amI’m with you, Christine, I could eat soup every day and especially vegetable soups. Thanks so much for your visit and tolerating my boasting, lol.
Robyn recently posted…Spring Vegetable Soup
Linda
April 18, 2014 at 10:43 amCrazy weather for you, while we are basking in the sun here. I have to try your amazing soup. That’s quite a list of ingredients. If you ate it for days, it is a must try! Stay cozy and enjoy your wonderful family at Easter. xoxo
Linda recently posted…Bird Inspired Table
Robyn
April 18, 2014 at 5:23 pmToday it rained but this evening it’s sunny and warm so I have hope! lol. The list is a long one so I guess I can’t put this under the category of ‘budget meals’ but considering it’s all veggies, it’s not really that expensive. Happy Easter, Wonder Woman. Hugs xoox
Robyn recently posted…Spring Vegetable Soup
Nina
April 18, 2014 at 11:15 amDear Robyn, I love soup, any soup, but that one looks really delicious!
Weather goes on so odd, we decided to stay at home and postpon our visit to Algarve.
Next month, surely the weather will be fine enough to face a 600 Kms trip.
The good news ie it seems I managed to defeat ants, with traps, I confess.
I wish you a very happy Easter!
Nina recently posted…1102 – Casaquinho para uma menina vaidosa.
Katie
April 18, 2014 at 11:35 amThis sounds really fabulous! Snow during spring break is making me still crave soup!
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Robyn
April 18, 2014 at 5:24 pmThanks so much, Katie! And thanks for all your tips and support. Much appreciated.
Robyn recently posted…Spring Vegetable Soup
Ginnie
April 19, 2014 at 11:39 amThis looks delicious and so fresh! Perfect for these chilly spring days we’ve been getting:)
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Robyn
April 21, 2014 at 4:19 amThanks so much, Ginnie. Yup, sure is chilly, lol. Thanks for your visit!
Robyn recently posted…Spring Vegetable Soup
Nina
April 21, 2014 at 10:52 amDear Robyn, this one is a very easy and affordable receipt for PUDIM FLAN:
http://www.gastronomias.com/portugal/estremadura031.html
I would love to have your feedback!
beijinhos
Nina
Nina recently posted…1094 – Pudim Flan!
Robyn
April 21, 2014 at 1:56 pmWow, that IS easy, Nina! Thanks so much. Will let you know as soon as it is on a plate. Will take pics too!
Diane (@SimpleLivingEat)
April 21, 2014 at 6:08 pmI don’t think you are boasting… it looks amazing. Thanks for bringing your soup to foodie friday.
Robyn
April 22, 2014 at 9:03 amLOL, thanks, Diane. I was really happy with the way it turned out but I’m fairly certain it’s not the best in the universe. Best in my kitchen is ok with me, too. lol. Have a great day.
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GiGi Eats Celebrities
April 21, 2014 at 10:32 pmYUMMMM!! Leeks, Tomatoes, Asparagus… You know where it’s at! 🙂 I think I would add a little chicken to this soup – and maybe even eat it chilled?? I mean, the months are a WARMING!
I would LOVEEEE for you to cook for me!
GiGi Eats Celebrities recently posted…This Recipe is ALL ME!
Robyn
April 22, 2014 at 9:05 amI thought about eating it chilled – I think it would be good. Your months are warming,GiGi – I’m still thawing out, lol.
That shrimp recipe is right over there — bottom of the sidebar. Ready in no time if you want to try your hand again at going solo, lol.
Robyn recently posted…Tuesday’s Tidbits
Stephanie
April 22, 2014 at 7:52 pmThis looks delicious! I would love for you share it on my Tasty Tuesday recipe link up here! Everything gets pinned and I would love to have you!
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Carrie This Home
April 24, 2014 at 1:18 pmI love how colorful this soup is! It looks super nutritious! Thanks so much for sharing this at Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop!
Carrie This Home recently posted…Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls
Robyn
April 24, 2014 at 4:23 pmThanks so much, Carrie! Always fun joining up with you Ladies!
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Rach D
April 25, 2014 at 7:20 amI always enjoy a good veggie soup! Thanks for linking up at “Share Your Stuff Tuesdays” 🙂
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Robyn
April 25, 2014 at 7:40 amSure thing, Rachael. I always enjoy your parties.
Brenda Young
April 26, 2014 at 7:47 amMMM .. love soup could eat it every day its so comforting… pinning this little winner!
Robyn
April 26, 2014 at 10:20 amI could eat it every day too, Brenda, and have often thought that I should be making a pot of soup once a week all year round. Thanks so much for the visit and the pin! Really enjoyed my visit to your blog 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Nutty, Cheesy Linguine
Kimberly
April 26, 2014 at 10:13 amIt’s raining today and this looks so inviting! We love soup at our house. Yum! Pinned! Thanks so much for stopping by our party. Please join us next Tuesday, we would love to see what you have been up to. Lou Lou Girls http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/
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Robyn
April 26, 2014 at 10:21 amRaining here too, Kimberly. I guess it’s going to get our grass green in a hurry. Thanks so much for the pin. See you next week!
Robyn recently posted…Nutty, Cheesy Linguine
Jen
April 26, 2014 at 12:48 pmYour pictures are gorgeous. This soup looks so fresh and tasty! Stumbling AND pinning!
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Robyn
April 26, 2014 at 2:01 pmThanks so much, Jen! I absolutely loved the way this soup turned out. And I love your blog! It’s so fresh and lovely. I’ll be looking forward to more visits there. Have a great day.
Robyn recently posted…Nutty, Cheesy Linguine
Miz Helen
April 26, 2014 at 4:08 pmHi Robyn,
I just love a great vegetable soup and your Spring Vegetable soup looks delicious. Hope you are having a great weekend and thanks so much for sharing your awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling
April 26, 2014 at 5:09 pmLOVE all these fresh vegetables and vibrant colors! Thanks so much for joining us at Saturday Night Fever…pinning this!
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Cheryl
April 27, 2014 at 3:55 amThis soup looks just like you describe it. I don’t think I can come up with a better adjective than all the ones you used, but you did hit the nail on the head! I love a great veggie soup, and yours looks like just the thing. It has all of the right veggies, beans, and the kicker, for me, the homemade basil pesto! I’m booking a flight to your house as soon as possible so you can make this for me (although, come to think of it, I might have to make it for myself, due to budget limitations – but I wish I were booking a flight to your house)! Thanks so much for sharing on The Yuck Stops Here this week! Hope to see you back next week, we’ll be starting the party on Tuesday evening at 6pm ET instead of Monday from now on! HUGS
Cheryl
April 29, 2014 at 10:55 pmCONGRATULATIONS! You Have Been Featured! Your soup looks so great I chose it to feature this week! Hop over to pick up your button on The Yuck Stops Here #5 http://mommasangelbaby.com/the-yuck-stops-here-5/
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The Yuck Stops Here #5
April 29, 2014 at 7:01 pm[…] Spring Vegetable Soup from Simply Fresh Dinners. I must first say, how fresh and delicious does that look? And if you hop over to her post to check it out, you’ll want to jump right through your screen for a taste! Thanks so much, Robyn, for sharing and please pick up your “I’ve Been Featured” button below! […]
Kathy
April 30, 2014 at 2:15 pmThis looks and sounds amazing – I’m definitely giving this a try! I am delighted that you shared with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
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Denise
May 15, 2014 at 10:23 amRobyn you have a wonderful blog. I am so glad you stopped by today. This soup looks amazing. I love parsley! I can’t wait to try your recipe. I have been research pistou and your soup looks so much better then some of the recipes I found. I think is is going to the top of my to do list. I will be following on Pinterest and GFC. Have a lovely day!
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Robyn
May 15, 2014 at 2:18 pmThanks so much, Denise – wow, all of those kind compliments really brightened my day! I was very happy with the final taste. Please let me know if you try it! Thanks a bunch for stopping in. 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Blackened Chicken with Roasted Apricots
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Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
February 27, 2016 at 9:43 pmI can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve actually been to your blog! Loving the new design. And I always love your soup recipes 🙂
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Robyn
February 28, 2016 at 8:56 amHow did you end up on this old recipe, Michelle? lol. I SO need to update these pictures!! How’s things going? I see you’ve bee busy!!
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