Borrowing its name from a traditional French paste, soupe au pistou is a popular soup similar to the Italian minestrone. Based on fresh seasonal ingredients, the soup can be made with various vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, beans, zucchini, peas, long green beans, or any other available vegetables.

Pasta is typically added to improve the texture of the soup. However, the crucial ingredient is pistou, a traditional French paste made with basil, olive oil, and garlic, with the occasional addition of grated cheese or tomatoes. The paste can be thoroughly mixed in the entire pot of soup, but it can also be placed in individual bowls and left for the guests to swirl it in and adjust the taste according to their preferences.

The soup is usually served warm and it is traditionally prepared during the summer season, when there is an abundance of fresh vegetables. Believed to have originated in the 18th century, this fresh and flavorful vegetable soup still stands as one of the most authentic Provençal dishes.