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 is brimming with flavors that can soothe your spirit while providing essential nutrients. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something hearty, this dish fits any occasion. The unique blend of fresh vegetables and small pasta makes it a standout recipe that you’ll want to return to time and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The rich broth combined with fresh vegetables creates a deeply satisfying flavor.
- Quick Preparation: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you can have this delicious soup ready in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use any small pasta shape or add your favorite greens to customize the soup to your taste.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients from fresh veggies, this soup is both nourishing and light.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week—just store the pasta separately if needed.
Tools and Preparation
To whip up your Italian Penicillin Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for cooking all your ingredients evenly and allowing enough space for simmering.
- Immersion blender: Perfect for pureeing soups directly in the pot, saving time on cleanup.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables without damaging your countertops.
Ingredients
Fresh Vegetables
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 large carrots (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 1 yellow onion (quartered)
- 5 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 3 ribs celery (halved)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- black pepper
Broth and Pasta
- parmesan rind (optional)
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 ¼ cup pastina (or other small pasta shape)
Finishing Touches
- 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, along with salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are slightly browned. If you’re short on time, feel free to add the oil and veggies directly into the broth.
Step 2: Simmer Soup
Add the parmesan rind (if using) and broth to the pot. Cover it up and increase heat until it reaches a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are very soft.
Step 3: Puree Vegetables
Remove the parmesan rind from the pot. Use an immersion blender to puree the vegetables until completely smooth. If you don’t have one, transfer all cooked vegetables into a regular, heat-safe blender. Blend until smooth, then return it back to the pot.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Stir in your pastina or chosen small pasta into the simmering soup. Cook for about 8–10 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat afterward. For leftovers, consider cooking pastina separately so it stays firm.
Step 5: Add Lemon
Squeeze in the juice of a full lemon. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings or add more lemon juice as desired. If you prefer a thinner consistency, stir in more broth accordingly.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle soup into serving bowls. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan, black pepper, and any additional toppings you like. Enjoy!
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup
Italian Penicillin Soup is delightful on its own, but there are many ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions that complement the soup perfectly.
With Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a delicious flavor and crunch to each bite.
With a Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing balance the warmth of the soup.
- Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness.
With Toppings
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or basil can brighten the dish.
- Extra Cheese: Add grated Parmesan or Pecorino for a savory finish.
How to Perfect Italian Penicillin Soup
To elevate your Italian Penicillin Soup, consider these helpful tips for achieving the best flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the soup’s taste and nutrition.
- Adjust Seasonings: Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice according to your preference.
- Cook Pasta Separately: To avoid mushy pasta, cook it separately if you plan to have leftovers.
- Blend to Desired Consistency: Blend until smooth or leave some texture based on your liking.
- Experiment with Broth: Try using homemade broth for richer flavors.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding shredded chicken or beans.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Penicillin Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Italian Penicillin Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some great options.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing; try different cheeses for variety.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil complement the soup nicely.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers add substance and nutrition.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized enhances any meal.
- Pasta Primavera: Lightly sautéed vegetables with pasta add a colorful touch.
- Polenta Fries: Crispy polenta fries offer a fun twist and crunchy contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Italian Penicillin Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect flavor and texture.
- Not prepping veggies properly: Chopping vegetables unevenly can lead to inconsistent cooking. Aim for uniform sizes for even tenderness.
- Skipping the simmer time: Rushing through the simmering process will result in less flavor. Allow the soup to simmer for the full time to enrich the taste.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings can leave your soup bland. Always check and tweak flavors before serving.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pastina too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions closely for perfect al-dente pasta.
- Forgetting about fresh herbs: Missing fresh herbs can reduce the freshness of your soup. Consider adding parsley or basil just before serving for a burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Italian Penicillin Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Italian Penicillin Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on high in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common inquiries regarding Italian Penicillin Soup.
What is Italian Penicillin Soup?
Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting blend of vegetables, small pasta, and broth that creates a heartwarming meal perfect for any day.
Can I make Italian Penicillin Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit any meat products.
How do I customize my Italian Penicillin Soup?
You can add proteins like chicken or beans, or throw in extra veggies such as spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Is there a gluten-free option for Italian Penicillin Soup?
Yes! Substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free pastina or any gluten-free small pasta shape.
Final Thoughts
Italian Penicillin Soup is not only cozy but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Give this delightful recipe a try; it’s sure to become a go-to comfort food during chilly days!
Italian Penicillin Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Italian Penicillin Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food, perfect for those cold days or when you need a little pick-me-up. This nourishing soup combines a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables with small pastina pasta, all simmered in a rich broth that warms your soul. With its delightful flavors and healthy ingredients, this soup not only satisfies your hunger but also nourishes your body. It’s quick to prepare and easy to customize, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something hearty, this Italian classic will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 large carrots (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 1 yellow onion (quartered)
- 5 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 3 ribs celery (halved)
- 1 tsp salt
- black pepper
- parmesan rind (optional)
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 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)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped carrots, onion, garlic, and celery; season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until veggies are slightly browned.
- Pour in the broth and add the optional parmesan rind. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are soft.
- Remove the parmesan rind and blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Stir in pastina and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with parmesan cheese and additional herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
