Pistou Soup
A hearty Provençal-inspired vegetable soup with fresh tomato, green beans, potatoes, and aromatic basil, topped with shredded cheese for a comforting, flavorful meal suitable for all.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large deep bowl or soup tureen, combine basil, garlic, and olive oil.
- Stir well so the oil coats the basil and let stand while preparing the soup.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add potatoes, green beans, and peeled chopped tomatoes.
- Add salt and pepper, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Add broken vermicelli and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cheese just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher flavor, use fresh basil instead of dried. If you prefer a heartier soup, add diced carrots or zucchini along with the potatoes and green beans. You can substitute the vermicelli with any small pasta or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. For a more intense flavor, add a splash of lemon juice just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pistou Soup warm, garnished with extra shredded cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light salad, such as Butter Bean Salad, for a balanced meal. This soup is also a great starter for Mediterranean recipes or a vegetarian main dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pistou Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens. Avoid boiling, as this can overcook the vegetables and pasta.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pistou Soup contains roughly 383 calories, with 12g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (96% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and iron (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1317mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pistou Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance. Prepare as directed, let it cool, then store in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier when reheated.
What other vegetables can I add to the soup?
You can customize your Pistou Soup with additional vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or peas. Adding leafy greens like spinach or kale toward the end of cooking provides extra nutrition and color, perfect for a hearty, comforting bowl.
Is Pistou Soup suitable for freezing?
While you can freeze the soup, it's best to freeze it without the pasta, as it can become mushy upon reheating. Once thawed, cook fresh pasta separately and add it to the soup before serving for optimal texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).