Italian Penicillin Soup
A warm bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup is the ultimate comfort food. This delightful soup combines fresh vegetables and pastina, creating a nourishing meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply need a cozy dish to enjoy, this Italian Penicillin Soup delivers on flavor and heartiness. Its easy preparation makes it suitable for busy weeknights or special gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Nourishing: This soup offers warmth and care in every spoonful, ideal for cold days or when you’re feeling unwell.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes, making it adaptable to your pantry items.
- Perfect Leftovers: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day, providing you with quick meals for busy days ahead.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients from fresh veggies and broth, it’s a wholesome option that satisfies without weighing you down.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Italian Penicillin Soup, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and enhance your experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A sturdy pot ensures even cooking and ample space for simmering ingredients.
- Immersion blender: This handy tool allows you to puree the soup directly in the pot, saving time on cleanup.
- Cutting board & knife: Essential for prepping your vegetables quickly and safely.
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.
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
- parmesan rind (optional)
Broth and Pasta
- 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. Then:
1. Add your vegetables, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly browned.
3. For a quicker method, add oil and veggies directly into your broth later.
Step 2: Simmer Soup
Once your vegetables are starting to soften:
1. Add the parmesan rind along with the broth.
2. Cover the pot and turn the heat up high until it reaches a gentle boil.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing it to simmer covered for 25-30 minutes until very soft.
Step 3: Puree Vegetables
After simmering:
1. Remove the parmesan rind from the pot.
2. Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth directly in the pot.
3. If using a regular blender, transfer cooked vegetables carefully in batches until smooth before returning them to the pot.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
With the soup ready:
1. Stir in your pastina or chosen small pasta.
2. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until al-dente, stirring occasionally.
3. Turn off heat when done; if storing leftovers, cook pasta separately to keep it from getting mushy.
Step 5: Add Lemon
Brighten up your soup:
1. Squeeze in juice from one full lemon.
2. Taste test; adjust seasonings or add more lemon juice as desired.
3. For a thinner consistency, stir in more broth if needed.
Step 6: Serve
Finally:
1. Ladle soup into serving bowls.
2. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese, black pepper, drizzle of olive oil if desired, and chopped parsley.
3. Enjoy this heartwarming Italian Penicillin Soup!
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup
Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Basil Leaves: Fresh basil can give your soup an aromatic touch.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Italian Bread: Serve alongside slices of crusty bread for dipping, enhancing the meal’s heartiness.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
Add Extra Protein
- Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken can turn this soup into a more filling main course.
- Beans: Adding white beans can boost the protein content while keeping it vegetarian.
Serve with Cheese
- Parmesan Shavings: Top each bowl with fresh parmesan shavings for an added umami flavor.
- Feta Crumbles: A sprinkle of feta adds a tangy twist that contrasts nicely with the soup.
How to Perfect Italian Penicillin Soup
To achieve the best version of Italian Penicillin Soup, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Broth: Start with homemade or high-quality chicken/vegetable broth for richer flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
- Don’t Rush the Simmering: Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops deeper flavors; patience is key!
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like spinach or zucchini for variety.
- Store Pasta Separately: If making ahead, cook pasta separately to prevent it from getting mushy when reheating.
- Add Lemon at the End: Adding lemon juice just before serving brightens up the flavors and adds freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Penicillin Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Italian Penicillin Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing and croutons complements the warmth of the soup.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil provides a refreshing contrast.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil dressed in olive oil add vibrancy.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring sweetness and depth to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: Hearty stuffed peppers make for a satisfying side that pairs well.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, olives, and cheeses creates a delightful appetizer before soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Italian Penicillin Soup can be simple, but certain mistakes can affect the final outcome. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to season their vegetables during cooking. Always add salt and pepper early on to enhance the flavors.
- Overcooking the pasta: If you add pastina too early, it may become mushy. Cook it for 8-10 minutes and check for al-dente texture before serving.
- Not tasting as you go: Failing to taste your soup during cooking can lead to bland results. Adjust spices and lemon juice according to your preferences.
- Ignoring vegetable prep: Chopping vegetables uniformly ensures even cooking. Take time to cut them into similar sizes.
- Forgetting leftovers storage: If you plan to store leftovers, remember that pasta absorbs broth over time. Consider cooking it separately for longer-lasting freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover Italian Penicillin Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Italian Penicillin Soup
- Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Italian Penicillin Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring each time.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Italian Penicillin Soup.
What is Italian Penicillin Soup?
Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting blend of vegetables and small pasta cooked in broth, perfect for warming up on chilly days or when feeling under the weather.
Can I make Italian Penicillin Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I customize my Italian Penicillin Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or beans. You can also adjust the seasoning based on your taste preferences.
Is Italian Penicillin Soup healthy?
Absolutely! This soup is packed with nutritious vegetables and can be made with whole-grain pasta for added health benefits.
Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?
Yes! While pastina is traditional, any small pasta shape will work well in Italian Penicillin Soup.
Final Thoughts
Italian Penicillin Soup is not just a meal; it’s a bowl of warmth and comfort. With its versatility, you can easily customize it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something cozy, this soup is sure to satisfy. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Italian Penicillin Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Italian Penicillin Soup is the ultimate warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. This classic Italian dish combines fresh vegetables, pastina, and rich broth to create a nourishing meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. With its easy preparation, you can whip this up on a busy weeknight or serve it at gatherings to impress your guests. Enjoy the heartiness of every spoonful, knowing that it’s packed with nutrients from wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 large carrots (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 1 yellow onion (quartered)
- 5 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 3 ribs celery (halved)
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 ¼ cup pastina (or other small pasta shape)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped vegetables, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until slightly browned.
- Pour in broth and add optional parmesan rind. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 25-30 minutes until the vegetables are very soft.
- Remove parmesan rind and blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in pastina and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al-dente.
- Finish by squeezing lemon juice into the soup and adjusting seasonings before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
