• servings 6

Ingredients

  • For the Pesto

    • 2 small garlic cloves
    • 2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
    • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • For the Seasoning

    • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
    • Freshly ground pepper
  • For the Soup

    • 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

Directions

  1. Step 1Cover beans with 6 cups cold water in a large pot. Bring to a boil; remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 1 hour.
  2. Step 2Drain 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.
  3. Step 3Add leeks, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, broth, and 2 cups water. Simmer, partially covered, until the beans are tender, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  4. Step 4Make pesto: Finely chop garlic in a food processor. Add basil; process. Add cheese and oil; process until combined.
  5. Step 5Add 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.