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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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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. 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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Wine Recommendation: 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).
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