Warm up your evenings with a bowl of delightful Crockpot Pesto Bean Soup! This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal; it's a comforting hug in a bowl that combines the rich flavors of pesto with hearty beans and vibrant veggies. Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of slow-cooked goodness after a long day—this recipe is your ticket to effortless gourmet dining! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this soup is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a family favorite. Ready to discover how easy it is to whip up this deliciousness? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs
Total Time: 5 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans mixed beans, drained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by draining the mixed beans thoroughly and rinsing them under cold water to remove excess sodium.
- In a large crockpot, combine the drained mixed beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and corn kernels, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle garlic powder over the mixture, then add salt and pepper to taste, gently stirring to incorporate the seasonings.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set the cooking temperature to low, allowing the soup to slow cook for 4-5 hours. This will help blend the flavors and create a rich, hearty consistency.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the pesto sauce, ensuring it is well mixed throughout the soup.
- Once cooking is complete, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or pesto to suit your preference.
- Serve hot in individual bowls, optionally garnishing with additional fresh basil or a drizzle of extra pesto on top.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare your ingredients the night before. Drain and rinse the beans, chop the tomatoes, and measure out the corn and pesto so everything is ready to go in the morning.
- Customize Your Beans: Feel free to mix and match your bean selection. Black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas can add variety and unique flavors to your soup.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a splash of balsamic vinegar while the soup cooks. Just remember to remove the bay leaf before serving!
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the crockpot, or blend a portion of the soup after cooking and mix it back in.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your soup with fresh toppings like crumbled feta cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch.
- Leftovers Love: This soup makes excellent leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
