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Green Olive Soup with Olive Oil Recipe

4.7 from 145 reviews

This Green Olive Soup with Olive Oil is a flavorful, creamy soup made by simmering olives, white beans, and aromatic herbs, then blending to a smooth or slightly chunky texture. Enhanced with fresh lemon juice and garnished with extra olive oil and herbs, it offers a comforting and hearty vegetarian option perfect for any season.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon parsley (fresh or dried, plus more for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried, plus more for garnish)
  • 1 1/4 cup olives (160g, green, black, or any other type)
  • 1 1/4 cup white beans (240g, canned, can substitute with butter beans)
  • 1/2 quart vegetable stock (473ml)
  • 1/2 quart water (473ml)
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and sauté onion: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  2. Add garlic and herbs: Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the parsley and thyme, continuing to cook for another 1 minute to release their flavors.
  3. Add olives, beans, stock, and water: Stir in the olives and white beans, then pour in the vegetable stock and water. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. Ensure it bubbles gently and not vigorously, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add red bell pepper (optional): If using red bell pepper, add the diced pieces during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering so they retain some texture and don’t become too soft.
  6. Blend the soup: Turn off the heat. Using an immersion blender (or hand blender), blend the soup until most olives are broken down. Blend more for a smoother, creamier texture or less if you prefer some chunks of vegetables.
  7. Finish and serve: Stir in fresh lemon juice for brightness and drizzle with additional olive oil. Garnish with extra parsley and thyme if desired. Serve the soup hot with rustic bread or your favorite soup pasta for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use either green or black olives based on your preference or availability.
  • Substitute white beans with butter beans if preferred.
  • Adding red bell pepper is optional but adds sweetness and texture.
  • Lemon juice is important to balance the flavors and should not be skipped.
  • Adjust the blending time to control the soup’s texture.
  • Serve with rustic bread or soup pasta to make the meal heartier.

Keywords: Green Olive Soup, Olive Oil Soup, Vegetarian Soup, Mediterranean Soup, White Bean Soup, Healthy Soup