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Spring Soup with Pistou

A vibrant and refreshing soup that embodies the essence of spring, topped with a delightful homemade pistou.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (45 ml)
  • 2 large leeks, sliced and washed (white and light green parts only)
  • 2 large stalks celery, sliced (about 100g or 1 cup)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, sliced
  • 2 russet potatoes (about 1 pound), diced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried leaves
  • 1 tablespoon herbs de Provence
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt + more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper + more to taste
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (120 ml)
  • 5 cups vegetable broth (1.2L)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, optional (30 ml)
  • 2 cans cannellini beans, drained (or 3 cups cooked beans)
  • 2 cups spinach (60 g)
  • 12 cloves of garlic for the pistou
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt + more to taste
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil (80 ml)
  • Half a lemon, optional

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics in a large pot with the olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Add the garlic and potatoes, cooking for another 3 minutes until aromatic.
  3. Season with thyme, herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper, letting them mingle for a minute.
  4. Deglaze the pot with the white wine, scraping up any bits and simmering for 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the cannellini beans, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cook the soup for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
  7. Stir in the spinach just a couple of minutes before serving.
  8. Make the pistou by blending basil, garlic, sea salt, and olive oil until smooth.
  9. Serve the soup in bowls topped with pistou for a burst of flavor.

Notes

For a richer soup, blend part of it and stir in cream. This soup freezes well; cool completely before storing.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring soup, pistou, vegan soup, healthy soup, fresh ingredients