Italian Penicillin Soup

A cozy soup to warm the soul. If you’re looking for a comforting dish that hugs you from the inside out, Italian Penicillin Soup is just what you need. This delightful recipe combines fresh vegetables and tiny pastina to create a bowl of goodness perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to gather family around the table. It’s special because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing, making it a go-to for those days when you need a little extra love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps, this soup comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy a warm meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love slurping up this tasty soup, making it a hit at any dinner table.
• Make-ahead convenience: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, so you can whip up a batch and enjoy it later!
• Packed with flavor: The combination of fresh veggies and zesty lemon creates a vibrant taste that brightens even the gloomiest days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this Italian Penicillin Soup is easy because they are simple, wholesome, and likely already in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup Base

• 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

For the Broth

• parmesan rind (optional)
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth

For the Pasta

• 1 ¼ cup pastina (or other small pasta shape)

For Finishing Touches

• 1 lemon (more as desired)
• freshly grated parmesan and black pepper
• drizzle of olive oil (optional)
• chopped parsley (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tailor it to fit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add greens: Toss in some spinach or kale at the end for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables if you like a bit of heat.
• Swap the pasta: Try using quinoa or rice instead of pastina for a different texture.
• Creamy version: Stir in some coconut milk or cream after pureeing for a rich, creamy soup.

How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup

Step 1: Cook Vegetables

Start by adding olive oil to a large pot and heating it over medium heat. When it’s nice and warm, toss in your chopped vegetables along with salt and pepper. Sauté them for 4-5 minutes until they start to brown slightly. This step is crucial because browning adds depth of flavor!

Step 2: Simmer Soup

Next, add your parmesan rind (if using) along with 8 cups of broth into the pot. Cover it up and crank the heat to high until it comes to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer covered for about 25-30 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together while making your house smell heavenly!

Step 3: Puree Vegetables

Once your veggies are soft, remove the parmesan rind and set it aside. Grab your immersion blender and puree everything until it’s perfectly smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer your cooked veggies into a regular blender. Blending until smooth gives your soup that creamy texture we all love.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Now it’s time to add your pastina! Toss it into the simmering soup and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes until it’s al-dente. Remember to stir occasionally! If you’re planning on saving leftovers, cook pastina separately so it doesn’t soak up all that yummy broth.

Step 5: Add Lemon

After cooking your pasta, squeeze in the juice of one full lemon. Give everything a taste; adjust seasonings as needed! If you’d like a thinner consistency, feel free to stir in more broth until it’s just right.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle your beautiful soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated parmesan, black pepper, and maybe even some chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy every comforting spoonful with someone special!

Pro Tips for Making Italian Penicillin Soup

Making Italian Penicillin Soup is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can take it to the next level!

• Prep your ingredients ahead of time: Chopping veggies before you start cooking saves time and helps you stay organized in the kitchen, making the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
• Use fresh herbs: Adding fresh parsley at the end not only enhances flavor but also adds a pop of color, making your soup visually appealing.
• Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer longer before adding the pasta. This allows flavors to concentrate beautifully.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add spices like thyme or oregano for an extra layer of flavor! Herbs can elevate the dish and provide that aromatic touch we all love.
• Make it ahead of time: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for easy meals!

How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup

Serving Italian Penicillin Soup can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Freshly grated Parmesan: This adds a rich umami flavor and creamy texture that complements the soup perfectly.
• Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of green onions brings a fresh crunch that balances the warmth of the soup.
• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil: This enriches each bowl and provides a lovely finishing touch that enhances taste.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your soup and soaking up every last drop!
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup, providing a balance of textures.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and earthiness, making for a hearty side that pairs well with Italian flavors.
• Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta is a wonderful complement to soup—its smooth texture absorbs flavors beautifully and adds richness.

Enjoy your cozy bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian Penicillin Soup is not only delicious and comforting, but it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week or save some for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• If you’ve cooked the pasta in the soup, it may absorb some broth, so consider storing pasta separately for best texture.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely to prevent splatter.

FAQs

Have some questions about making this delightful soup? Here are some answers!

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for Italian Penicillin Soup?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth works wonderfully in this recipe, keeping it vegetarian while still delivering amazing flavor.

How long does Italian Penicillin Soup last in the fridge?

This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container!

Is there a gluten-free option for pastina in Italian Penicillin Soup?

Yes! You can substitute pastina with gluten-free small pasta shapes or even quinoa for a nutritious twist.

Can I add other vegetables to my Italian Penicillin Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite veggies like spinach, kale, or zucchini. Just chop them into small pieces and add them during the simmering stage.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Italian Penicillin Soup a try! It’s one of those recipes that brings warmth not just from its ingredients but from the love that goes into preparing it. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather, you can customize it just how you like. Enjoy making this cozy dish, and may it bring comfort to your table as it has mine!