Pistou Soup Provençal
As a quintessential Provençal dish, Pistou Soup is perfect for warming up long winter evenings. This hearty soup is enriched by Pistou, a vibrant blend of crushed basil, garlic, and olive oil, bringing a burst of flavor to every spoonful. It’s an excellent opportunity to practice the Paysanne vegetable cut, ensuring each bite is packed with texture and taste. Rich in vegetables and completely vegetarian, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Servings: 8
Calories: 235kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra-virgin
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium leek, cut Paysanne style
- 8 ounces navy beans, canned
- 2 medium carrots, cut Paysanne style
- 1 small zucchini, cut Paysanne style
- 0.5 pound tomato, finely diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 medium Russet potatoes, finely diced
- 0.25 pound green beans, cut in bit sizes
- 0.25 cup very fine pasta, such as angel hair
PISTOU SAUCE
- 6 cloves garlic germ removed
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan optional
- 0.5 cup olive oil, extra virgin
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Make the soup: In a large, heavy-bottomed 6-quart stock pot, combine the olive oil and the diced onion. Stir so that the onions are coated with the oil and cook over moderate heat until soft, about 2 minutes.
- Add the leeks and cook for two more minutes. Add carrots, zucchini, tomato, tomato paste, cut beans, 3 quarts of cold water and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Add potatoes, green beans, and pasta and cook for about 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Make the Pistou in a food processor: Rinse the basil leaves and pat dry on a clean towel. Place the garlic, salt, pepper, and basil in the bowl of a food processor or blender and process to a paste. Mix in the Parmesan quickly. Slowly add the oil through the funnel of the lid and process again. Taste and rectify the seasoning if desired.
- Serve the soup: In a soup plate place a generous tablespoon of Pistou and serve the soup over it.
Cooking Tips for Pistou Soup Provençal
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables and herbs. Fresh basil is essential for a vibrant Pistou.
- Perfect the Paysanne Cut: Practice your knife skills by cutting vegetables into small, thin pieces (paysanne style) for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. The soup should be hearty but not overly thick.
- Customize Your Pistou: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and Parmesan in the Pistou to suit your taste preferences. You can also add other herbs like parsley for additional flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with crusty French bread for a satisfying meal. You can even spread some extra Pistou on the bread for added flavor.
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