As a busy mom, finding the time to prepare delicious and nutritious meals can feel overwhelming. But here’s a gem of a recipe that you can whip up in no time. Pistou soup is not only easy to make but loaded with fresh veggies and vibrant flavors. This comforting dish will delight your family and make dinnertime a cozy affair.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Pistou soup stands out in the kitchen for several reasons. First, it takes just about 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. The bright colors and rich flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a family favorite. Plus, with all the veggies packed into each bowl, you’ll feel good about serving it to your loved ones. Minimal prep and easy cleanup also add to its appeal, making this recipe a go-to option on busy days.
How to Make Pistou Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Pistou:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the green beans and cook until tender, about 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- For the Pistou, blend the basil, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor until smooth.
- Serve the soup hot, drizzling the Pistou on top.
Pistou Soup
A delicious and nutritious pistou soup packed with fresh veggies and vibrant flavors, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil (for pistou)
- 2 garlic cloves (for pistou)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the green beans and cook until tender, about 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- For the pistou, blend the basil, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor until smooth.
- Serve the soup hot, drizzling the pistou on top.
Notes
Customize this soup with extra veggies or protein. Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
How to Serve
Pistou soup is versatile and can stand alone as a hearty meal. Pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying dinner. It also goes well with a simple green salad or grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting family feast. You can even serve it in a fun way, with each family member adding their preferred amount of Pistou on top.
How to Store
You can store any leftover pistou soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you want to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. This soup also freezes well, so consider making a big batch. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Tips and Variations
Feel free to customize this soup to your family’s taste. You can add other veggies like spinach or kale to boost the nutrition. If you prefer a meatier soup, consider adding cooked chicken or sausage. For a gluten-free option, ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free. And for added flavor, try using homemade vegetable broth or adding herbs like thyme or oregano.
FAQs
Can I make the Pistou ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Pistou ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just stir again before serving.
Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this Pistou soup is vegan as long as you omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free substitute.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work well and save time. Just add them directly to the pot and adjust cooking time as necessary.
Conclusion
Pistou soup is a wonderful choice for busy families. Its bright flavors, healthy ingredients, and simple preparation make it a meal you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to save it for your go-to dinner nights. Happy cooking!
