Creamy Two-Bean Chowder with Pesto Recipe

Creamy Two-Bean Chowder with Pesto Recipe

  • 8 ounces dry great Northern beans
  • 8 ounces dry pinto beans
  • 6 cups water
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups chopped cauliflower
  • 2 medium carrots, shredded
  • 1 medium parsnip, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon granules
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups reduced fat milk
  • 6 tablespoons purchased pesto
  1. Rinse great northern and pinto beans. In a Dutch oven combine the beans and the 6 cups water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. (Or, skip boiling the water and soak beans overnight in a covered pan.) Drain and rinse beans.
  2. In the Dutch oven combine beans, 4 cups water, cauliflower, carrots, parsnip, onion, salt, bouillon granules, oregano, marjoram, bay leaves, and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally. Discard bay leaves. Mash beans slightly. Stir in LACTAID(R) Reduced Fat Milk and heat through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  3. To serve, ladle chowder into individual bowls. Swirl 1 tablespoon pesto on top of each serving.