Veggie Soup with Basil Sauce

This veggie soup with basil sauce is packed with a variety of vegetables and topped with a flavorful basil sauce. It's a healthy and delicious way to enjoy a warm and comforting meal. The soup is made with a combination of fresh and canned vegetables, giving it a hearty and chunky texture. The basil sauce adds a burst of freshness and herbaceousness, elevating the flavors of the soup. This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and vegans, and it can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the diced carrots, celery, green bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables have softened slightly.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the basil sauce by combining the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
6. Once the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree about half of the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can leave the soup chunky if desired.
7. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir well. Heat the soup over low heat until warmed through.
8. Serve the veggie soup hot, garnished with a dollop of basil sauce on top. Enjoy!

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