Ingredients

1/2 yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, peeled and chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped, leaves reserved

1 pint cherry tomatoes

1 tbsp salt

4 c. chicken or vegetable stock

1 zucchini, chopped

1 c. green beans, frozen

1 c. corn kernels, frozen

14 oz can white beans, drained and rinsed

Pesto:

2 cloves garlic, peeled

1 handful parsley leaves

celery leaves from above

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/4 c. olive oil

Preparation

In a large stock pot, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Cook onion, garlic, carrot and celery pieces for 5 minutes or until soft. Add tomatoes, salt, and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, then add zucchini, beans and corn. Cook for another 10 minutes, adding beans during last 2 minutes. Turn heat to low and set aside while making pesto.

To make pesto, combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until a paste forms. Ladle soup into 4 bowls, then spoon a dollop of pesto on top of each. Serve with crunchy bread.