Recipes

Soupe au Pistou

Name: Soupe au Pistou
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 1 zucchini (about 1/2 pound), quartered lengthwise, cut crosswise into thin slices; 1/4 pound green beans, cut into 1-inch lengths; 2 teaspoons salt; 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper; 1 pound boiling potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice; 1 1/2 cups drained canned diced tomatoes (one 15-ounce can); 1 quart canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock; 3 cups water; 1 cup drained and rinsed canned white beans, preferably cannellini; 1/2 cup elbow macaroni or other small pasta; 3 small cloves garlic, peeled; 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves

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Much like pesto, its Italian cousin, French pistou is a mixture of basil, garlic, and olive oil. Here we stir some into a hearty Provençal soup made with vegetables, potatoes, beans, and pasta and spoon the rest on top.Plus: More Soup Recipes and Tips

By Food & Wine Editors

Updated on November 30, 2015

Soupe au Pistou — Photo: © Melanie Acevedo

Yield:

4

Ingredients

6 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 zucchini (about 1/2 pound), quartered lengthwise, cut crosswise into thin slices
1/4 pound green beans, cut into 1-inch lengths
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1 pound boiling potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 1/2 cups drained canned diced tomatoes (one 15-ounce can)
1 quart canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
3 cups water
1 cup drained and rinsed canned white beans, preferably cannellini
1/2 cup elbow macaroni or other small pasta
3 small cloves garlic, peeled
1 cup loosely packed basil leaves

Directions

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the zucchini, green beans, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes longer.
Add the potatoes, tomatoes, broth, and water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer 15 minutes. Add the beans, pasta, and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Continue simmering until the vegetables are tender and the pasta is cooked through, about 10 minutes longer. Remove from the heat.
Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, puree the garlic, basil, and the remaining 4 tablespoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir 1/4 cup of this pistou into the soup. Serve the soup topped with the remaining pistou.

Suggested Pairing

A good German riesling will cut through the richness of the soup and refresh your palate with its lively flavor. Try a kabinett or spätlese wine, preferably halbtrocken (on the dry side).