Red Pesto Minestrone: A Flavorful Italian Feast of Fresh Vegetables and Vibrant Pesto

Red Pesto Minestrone Soup: A Flavorful and Nourishing Dish

Red pesto minestrone soup is a vibrant and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines the hearty warmth of minestrone with the piquant notes of red pesto. This soup is packed with fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and aromatic herbs, making it a nourishing and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup small pasta (such as elbow macaroni or shells)
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped kale
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the Red Pesto:

- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup roasted red bell peppers
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

To Make the Red Pesto:

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, roasted red bell peppers, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
2. Process until smooth and set aside.

To Make the Soup:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, add the pasta, and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the zucchini, green beans, red bell pepper, and kale.
7. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
9. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of red pesto.

Tips:

- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- Add other vegetables to your liking, such as chopped potatoes, beans, or spinach.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Red pesto minestrone soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a hearty dinner. It's packed with flavor, nutrition, and is sure to warm you up on a cold day.