Italian Penicillin Soup
A cozy soup to warm the soul, Italian Penicillin Soup with veggies and pastina is the perfect comfort meal for tough or busy days. This delightful soup not only nourishes the body but also soothes the spirit. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of a hearty meal, this recipe provides a delicious solution. Its combination of fresh vegetables, rich broth, and small pasta creates a satisfying dish that appeals to everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple preparation: With minimal steps and easy-to-find ingredients, making this soup is a breeze.
- Flavorful and comforting: The blend of veggies and spices creates a warm taste that brings joy to any meal.
- Versatile ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes for a personal touch.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re feeling under the weather, this soup fits right in.
- Healthy option: Packed with nutrients, it’s an excellent choice for a light yet satisfying meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is crucial. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare your Italian Penicillin Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly and providing ample space for all ingredients.
- Immersion blender: Makes pureeing easier without needing to transfer hot soup to a traditional blender.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accuracy in ingredient amounts for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
A cozy soup to warm the soul. Italian Penicillin Soup with veggies and pastina is the perfect comfort meal for tough or busy days.
Fresh Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 large carrots (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 1 yellow onion (quartered)
- 5 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 3 ribs celery (halved)
Seasonings & Broth
- 1 tsp salt
- black pepper
- parmesan rind (optional)
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Pasta & Garnish
- 1 ¼ cup pastina (or other small pasta shape)
- 1 lemon (more as desired)
- freshly grated parmesan and black pepper
- drizzle of olive oil (optional)
- chopped parsley (optional)
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup
Step 1: Cook Vegetables
Add olive oil to a large pot and heat over medium. Add your vegetables, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly browned. If you want to save time, you can skip this step by adding oil and veggies directly into your broth.
Step 2: Simmer Soup
Add the parmesan rind and broth to the pot. Cover it up and increase heat until you reach a gentle boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are very soft, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Puree Vegetables
Remove the parmesan rind from the soup and set aside. Use your immersion blender to puree the vegetables until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer everything into a heat-safe regular blender. Blend until smooth and then return it back into the pot.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Add your pastina or small pasta shapes into the simmering soup. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until al-dente while stirring occasionally. Once done, turn off the heat. If you plan on storing leftovers, cook pastina separately to combine with broth when serving.
Step 5: Add Lemon
Stir in the juice of one full lemon. Taste your soup; adjust seasonings or add more lemon juice if desired. If you’d like a thinner consistency, stir in additional broth as needed.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan, black pepper, and any other toppings you enjoy. Enjoy!
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup
Italian Penicillin Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you prefer it as a light main course or a hearty side, these serving suggestions will enhance your soup experience.
With Fresh Bread
- Serve alongside crusty bread for dipping. A slice of sourdough or a baguette works perfectly to soak up the tasty broth.
Garnished with Herbs
- Top your soup with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This adds a vibrant flavor and a touch of color to your dish.
Accompanied by Cheese
- Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan on top before serving. It adds richness and complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.
With a Squeeze of Lemon
- Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. This brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
As Part of a Meal
- Pair the soup with a simple salad for a complete meal. A green salad with vinaigrette balances the warmth of the soup nicely.
How to Perfect Italian Penicillin Soup
To make your Italian Penicillin Soup even more delicious, consider these handy tips.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of your soup, making it more enjoyable.
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Control Thickness: Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or pureeing less if you prefer a chunkier texture.
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Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like thyme or oregano for an additional depth of flavor.
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Adjust Acidity: If it’s too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors without altering the taste significantly.
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Store Smartly: Keep pasta separate if storing leftovers to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheating.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Penicillin Soup
When enjoying Italian Penicillin Soup, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.
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Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup’s rich broth, making each bite enjoyable.
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Mixed Greens Salad: A light mixed greens salad with lemon dressing provides balance and freshness alongside the comforting soup.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and texture, creating a wholesome dining experience.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can be enjoyed before or after your soup, offering varied flavors that complement your meal.
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Stuffed Peppers: These can serve as a hearty side dish that pairs well with the lighter elements of the soup while being filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Italian Penicillin Soup, there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Avoid these mistakes for the best results.
- Overcooking vegetables: This can lead to mushy textures. Cook them just until slightly browned or soft, depending on your preferred method.
- Skipping lemon juice: Not adding lemon can dull the flavors. Always include fresh lemon juice for a bright taste that enhances the soup.
- Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can make the soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to elevate flavor.
- Using the wrong pasta: Choosing a large pasta can alter the soup’s texture. Opt for pastina or another small pasta shape for a cozy feel.
- Neglecting leftovers: Failing to store properly can waste your delicious soup. Follow proper storage methods to keep it fresh.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Italian Penicillin Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Italian Penicillin Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Italian Penicillin Soup.
What is Italian Penicillin Soup?
Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting blend of vegetables and pasta, often touted as a healing dish that warms both body and soul during tough times.
Can I customize my Italian Penicillin Soup?
Yes! You can add different vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or even proteins like chicken or beans for extra heartiness.
Is Italian Penicillin Soup vegetarian?
It can be! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any meat ingredients for a delicious vegetarian option.
How do I make Italian Penicillin Soup creamy?
To achieve a creamy texture, consider adding a splash of cream or milk after pureeing the vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Italian Penicillin Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need comfort food, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try!
Italian Penicillin Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Italian Penicillin Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that warms both body and soul. This hearty, nourishing soup features a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, rich broth, and tiny pastina pasta—making it perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, quartered
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 ribs celery, halved
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 ¼ cup pastina (or small pasta)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Freshly grated parmesan and black pepper for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until slightly browned.
- Pour in the broth and add the parmesan rind (optional). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are soft.
- Remove the parmesan rind and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in pastina and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
- Add lemon juice, adjusting seasoning as needed. Serve garnished with grated parmesan and black pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
