Provencal Soup with Pistou

== Ingredients ==
* 1½ tbsp olive oil
* 1½ lbs new potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
* 1 lb carrots, cut on the diagonal into ¼-inch-thick slices
* 1 cup diced celery
* 1 bouquet garni
* pinch of saffron threads, crushed (optional)
* ½ lb green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 lb zucchini, cut into ½-inch cubes
* 1 cup uncooked macaroni shells
* ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
=== Pistou ===
* ½ cup hazelnuts
* 2 cloves garlic
* 3 cups lightly packed fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley
* 1 small tomato, peeled, seeded and chopped
* ½ tbsp olive oil
== Directions ==
# In large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat.
# Add potatoes, carrots and celery and cook, stirring, about 5 minutes.
# Add 8 cups water, bouquet garni and saffron if using.
# Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
# Add green beans and continue to cook until vegetables are almost tender, about 25 minutes.
# Add zucchini and macaroni and simmer until pasta is tender, an additional 10 minutes.
# Season with salt and pepper to taste, stir in parsley and drizzle with remaining ½ tablespoon oil.
# Remove from heat, cover and keep warm.
=== Pistou ===
# In small skillet, toast hazelnuts over medium-high heat, stirring often, 5 minutes.
# While nuts are still warm, place in folded tea towel and rub vigorously to remove skins.
# Transfer nuts to food processor, add garlic and process until finely chopped.
# Add basil or parsley and tomato and process, scraping down work bowl as necessary, until mixture forms a smooth paste (add water to thin as necessary) 
# Transfer to small bowl, add salt and pepper and stir in ½ tablespoon oil.
# Ladle soup into shallow soup bowls or transfer to serving dish.
# Stir in pistou or pass separately for guests to stir in desired amount themselves.
__NOTOC__
Category:Vegetarian Recipes
Category:Bouquet garni Recipes
Category:New potato Recipes
Category:Green bean Recipes
Category:Hazelnut Recipes
Category:Macaroni Recipes
Category:Zucchini Recipes
Category:Potato Recipes
Category:Saffron Recipes
Category:Carrot Recipes
Category:Tomato Recipes
Category:Basil Recipes