Provence in a Bowl Fennel Tomato Soup with Pastis
David Scott Allen · Provencal Recipes · Soup · TasteIn his easy recipe, David has combined iconic tastes of Provence – tomatoes, fennel and Pastis – into a bowl (original Cocoa & Lavender post here).
In summer months, local market stands showcase tomatoes of every description from trendy multi-coloured heirloom varieties to a Provencal version of the juicy beefsteak to tiny cocktail versions. Fennel grows wild along the side of the road, where sensible cooks harvest the stocks for use in recipes at a later date. On the fennel theme, Pastis is a popular anise-flavoured liqueur that turns a cloudy yellow when water is added to the glass.
Fennel-Tomato Soup with Pastis
Like many soup recipes this one is easy to make, when summer tomatoes start tempt you.
Ingredients
- 8 tbsp butter
- 1 large fennel bulb chopped with feather fronds reserved
- 1 large sweet onion chopped
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Chimayo chile powder or other mild chile powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 35-oz can (1L) Peeled Roma Tomatoes
- 1 cup Vegetable Broth
- 4 tbsp Pastis or to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped fennel and onion and cook over medium-low heat until vegetables are soft - about 20 minutes.
- Add salt, chile and pepper, and cook one minute more.
- Add the tomatoes and all the juices form the can, stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and cook a simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Set aside to let cool slightly.
- Purée the soup in two batches in a blender, adding 1/2 cup of the vegetable stock to each batch.
- Put the soup through the finest disk of a food mill into a clean pan and add the pastis, stirring to blend.
- Thoroughly wash the feathery fennel fronds and reserve 8 small stems for garnish, if desired.
- Chop remaining fronds and stir in 1/4 cup (packed) to the soup. Bring to a simmer and serve.
Notes
The recipe makes 8 one-half cup servings.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Full day Wine Tasting Tour from Marseille: Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas & Séguret
Experience a full day of wine tasting and cultural exploration on this enchanting wine tour. Discover the rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-class wines of the Southern Rhone Valley as you visit the picturesque towns of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Séguret.
Book this Experience for 2025Legal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication InformationAffiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.
Previous Post
Beyond the end of the Veloroute 1 to CeresteNext Post
14 Ways to Celebrate Bastille DayRelated Provence Articles
Pumpkin and Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with a Dash of Clementine
December 11, 2017
This is the perfect flavour-packed soup to brighten up your mood on a rainy or cold winters day. The fruity and brightly coloured pumpkin combines really well with the earthy taste of the Jerusalem Artichoke, while the hint of clementine juice cuts through it all with it’s pretty acidity.…
Crispy Goodness Cauliflower Gratin with Goat Cheese
January 25, 2023
A gratin or gratinée in French is typically a side dish served in an oven-proof casserole pan. The term comes from gratter (to grate); most of the time, these are savoury recipes with a crispy cheese and breadcrumb topping. However, there are recipes for sweet gratins as well. Gratins are very flexible. They make great …
Hearty Lentil Soup with Sausage and Sweet Paprika
September 24, 2018
This recipe for lentil soup with sausage, lots of vegetables and a hint of sweet paprika is a filling meal for lunch or dinner. Bundle up and enjoy the change of seasons.…
Creamy Mushroom and Chestnut Soup for Fall Weather
December 9, 2019
Luckily, this recipe for Creamy Mushroom and Chestnut Soup is so delicious it has stopped my brown food colour rant in its tracks.…
No Comment