Indian-style Pistou Soup

Ingredients

In this Indian adaptation of the French Soupe au pistou, we incorporate Indian spices and flavors to create a unique fusion dish. The traditional French version typically includes basil, garlic, and olive oil in the pistou, while our Indian-style pistou features cilantro, mint, garlic, and green chilies for a spicier kick. Additionally, we use Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric to infuse the soup with rich and aromatic flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Soupe au pistou, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 potato, diced 1 potato, diced
• 1/2 cup (90g) green peas 1/2 cup (90g) green peas
• 1/2 cup (100g) lentils, rinsed 1/2 cup (100g) lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• For the pistou: For the pistou:
• 1 cup (25g) fresh cilantro leaves 1 cup (25g) fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup (15g) fresh mint leaves 1/2 cup (15g) fresh mint leaves
• 2 cloves of garlic 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 green chilies, seeded 2 green chilies, seeded
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 6g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add cumin powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
3. 3.
   Add diced carrot, potato, green peas, and lentils to the pot. Stir everything together for a minute.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables and lentils are tender.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, prepare the pistou by blending cilantro, mint, garlic, green chilies, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth.
6. 6.
   Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   Serve the soup hot, garnished with a dollop of pistou on top. Enjoy the flavorful fusion of Indian and French cuisines!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Rinse the lentils thoroughly before using to remove any dirt or debris.
• Green chilies — Adjust the amount of green chilies according to your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chilies.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk to the soup before blending.
• Serve the soup with a side of warm naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.
• Customize the vegetables according to your preference. You can add cauliflower, bell peppers, or spinach for extra variety.
• If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more vegetable broth or water to adjust the consistency.
• Make a double batch of the pistou and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can be used as a flavorful condiment for other dishes.

Serving advice

Serve the Indian-style Pistou Soup hot in individual bowls. Drizzle a spoonful of pistou on top of each serving for an extra burst of flavor. Accompany the soup with a side of warm naan bread or steamed rice.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a sprig of fresh cilantro or mint leaves to add a pop of color. Serve it in beautiful ceramic bowls to enhance the visual appeal of this fusion dish.