French Soupe au Pistou

French Soupe au Pistou Recipe - A Delicious Blend of Green Beans, Potatoes, and Basil

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

French Soupe au Pistou is a delicious and hearty vegetable soup that is perfect for any time of year. This traditional French dish is packed full of fresh vegetables, beans, and a flavorful basil pesto known as pistou. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Soupe au Pistou originated in the Provence region of France, where fresh vegetables and herbs are abundant. The word "pistou" refers to the basil pesto that is added to the soup just before serving. This dish has been enjoyed for generations in French households and is a staple in French cuisine.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium yellow onions, chopped
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
2.5 qt (2.36 liter) chicken stock or vegetable stock
2 cups cooked large white beans or chickpeas (If using cans, include the liquid. If using dry beans, use 1 cup dry beans and reserve 2 cups cooking liquid)
0.5 cup vermicelli or other thin noodles, broken into small pieces
1 cup firmly packed fresh basil leaves
0.33 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
0.33 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp chopped fresh garlic

How to prepare

In a heavy pot (about 8 qt (7.57 liter) size), combine green beans, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, and stock.
Bring to a boil, then simmer until the beans and potatoes are crisp-tender.
Add the cooked white beans with their cooking water (or liquid from cans) and vermicelli, and simmer until the vermicelli is just tender.
Combine the basil, cheese, oil, and garlic in a blender or processor, and puree.
Stir this paste into the soup, bit by bit.
Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
After the sauce has been added, the soup may be warmed, but not boiled.
Serve with hot or toasted slices of French bread.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as zucchini or bell peppers.
Use different herbs in the pistou, such as parsley or cilantro.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut your vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- For a richer flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the soup.

- The basil pesto should be added at the end of cooking to preserve its fresh flavor.

- Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables or beans.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty French bread for dipping. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Blend the basil pesto until smooth for a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of beans you prefer, such as cannellini or kidney beans.

- Substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

- The pistou can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in individual bowls garnished with a dollop of pistou and a sprig of fresh basil. - A drizzle of olive oil on top adds a nice finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs well with the fresh flavors of the soup.

- A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the soup nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 350 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Green beans: 31g

- Yellow onions: 10g

- Potatoes: 26g

- Tomatoes: 7g

- Noodles: 21g

Fats

- Olive oil: 27g

- Parmesan cheese: 8g

Proteins

- Dry beans: 16g

Vitamins and minerals

Basil: Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C

- Tomatoes: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium

- Potatoes: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium

Alergens

Contains dairy (parmesan cheese)

Summary

French Soupe au Pistou is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet.

Summary

French Soupe au Pistou is a classic French vegetable soup that is both delicious and nutritious. Packed full of fresh vegetables, beans, and a flavorful basil pesto, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for French Soupe au Pistou. It was a warm summer day, and I had invited a friend over for lunch. She had just returned from a trip to Provence and brought back with her the most amazing flavors and recipes. As we sat in my kitchen, sipping on a glass of rosé, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook and began flipping through the pages.

"This is a traditional recipe from the south of France," she said, pointing to a page filled with beautiful illustrations of fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. "It's called Soupe au Pistou, and it's one of my favorite dishes to make."

I leaned in closer, my curiosity piqued. The recipe called for a medley of summer vegetables, including tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans, all simmered together in a rich broth. But what caught my eye was the pistou – a vibrant green sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil. It was like nothing I had ever seen before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

My friend patiently walked me through the steps, explaining the importance of using the best quality ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors develop. She showed me how to chop the vegetables just so, and how to infuse the broth with herbs and spices. And when it came time to make the pistou, she handed me a mortar and pestle and guided my hand as I crushed the basil and garlic together until it formed a smooth paste.

The scent that filled my kitchen as the soup simmered on the stove was intoxicating – a heady mix of garlic, basil, and tomatoes that seemed to transport me straight to the sun-drenched fields of Provence. When it was finally ready, we ladled the soup into bowls and drizzled a generous spoonful of pistou on top. The first spoonful was like a revelation – a burst of flavors that danced on my tongue and left me craving more.

From that day on, Soupe au Pistou became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family dinners, neighborhood potlucks, and even just for myself on quiet evenings at home. Each time I made it, I would think back to that summer day when my friend had introduced me to this magical recipe, and I would be filled with gratitude for the culinary journey it had set me on.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and additions to the original recipe, adding in my own twist here and there. Sometimes I'll throw in some cannellini beans for added protein, or swap out the green beans for asparagus when they're in season. But no matter how I choose to make it, the essence of that first Soupe au Pistou remains the same – a celebration of summer's bounty and the simple joys of good food shared with loved ones.

As I sit here now, in my cozy kitchen with the scent of garlic and basil wafting through the air, I can't help but smile at the memories that this recipe holds. It reminds me of the power of food to bring people together, to create connections and memories that last a lifetime. And I am grateful for the day when I first saw that recipe for French Soupe au Pistou, and the sense of wonder and excitement it sparked in me. It truly is a gift that keeps on giving, and I will cherish it always.