Pistou(Soup)
A hearty Provençal-inspired soup packed with green beans, potatoes, and tomatoes, flavored with fresh herbs and finished with a rich pistou for a vibrant, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced onions ⓘ
- 1 leek, white part only, sliced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 1 cup green beans, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1 cup diced potatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup canned tomatoes, chopped and drained ⓘ
- 6 cups beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup spaghetti in 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 tsp crushed basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp sage ⓘ
- 2 egg yolks ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the diced onions and sliced leek in butter until tender.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large covered pot.
- Add green beans, diced potatoes, chopped drained tomatoes, and beef bouillon to the pot.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add salt, pepper, and spaghetti; cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, mash the garlic with crushed basil, thyme, and sage.
- Add egg yolks to the mashed herbs, then gradually stir in the oil and tomato paste to make the pistou.
- Add a small amount of hot soup to the pistou mixture and stir well.
- Return the pistou to the soup and stir to combine.
- Serve the soup hot, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sautéed vegetables. You can substitute the green beans with other vegetables like zucchini or carrots based on availability. If you want a vegetarian option, swap the beef bouillon for vegetable broth. Fresh herbs can also enhance the pistou immensely, so feel free to use fresh basil instead of dried.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added depth of flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Mediterranean recipes like Zucchini Ripiene (Stuffed Squash) or a simple green salad to balance the heartiness of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling to prevent the egg yolks from curdling. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months; just be sure to leave out the pasta until you reheat it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pistou(Soup) contains roughly 559 calories, with 19g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1576mg per serving (69% 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 this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be prepared a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of adding the pistou. Store the soup separately and reheat before serving. Add the pistou just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of beef bouillon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works well as a substitute for beef bouillon. You can also make your own broth using vegetables, herbs, and water for a fresh taste. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the soup with seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, peas, or even leafy greens like spinach. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as some veggies may require less time to cook than others.
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).