Green Olive Soup with Olive Oil Recipe
A vibrant and creamy Mediterranean-inspired Green Olive Soup infused with aromatic olive oil, fresh herbs, and wholesome ingredients like white beans and vegetable stock. This flavorful soup balances the briny depth of green olives with a bright hint of lemon juice, creating a nourishing and comforting dish ideal for a light lunch or elegant starter.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering, Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- Fresh parsley and thyme for garnish
- Extra olive oil for drizzling
- Rustic bread or small pasta like orzo, ditalini, or stellini for serving
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh or dried parsley, and thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t brown.
- Add Olives, Beans, Stock, and Water: Mix in the pitted green olives and drained white beans. Pour in the vegetable stock and water, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If using red bell pepper, add it in the last 5-10 minutes to keep it slightly crisp.
- Blend Soup to Desired Consistency: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot (or transfer in batches to a regular blender) to puree the soup to your preferred texture – smooth or a bit chunky.
- Finish with Lemon Juice and Garnishes: Stir the fresh lemon juice into the blended soup to brighten the flavors. Drizzle additional olive oil on top and garnish with fresh parsley and thyme as desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the soup warm with rustic bread or small pasta such as orzo. Optionally, add a dollop of yogurt or plant-based cream for extra richness.
Notes
- Do not skip the lemon juice—it adds essential brightness and balances the saltiness of the olives.
- Taste the soup before blending; adjust seasoning with salt or extra herbs as needed.
- For a smoother soup, blend longer; for a chunkier texture, pulse less.
- Herb-infused olive oil can be made by gently warming olive oil with herbs for 4-6 minutes before starting the recipe.
- Use black olives as a substitute if preferred, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240ml)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: green olive soup, olive oil soup, Mediterranean soup, creamy olive soup, vegetarian soup, white bean soup