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Let me share my secret weapon for those days when you need a bowl of pure comfort. This golden Italian Penicillin Soup is my vegan twist on the classic feel good recipe. I sneak in lots of veggies blend them until silky smooth and add the cutest little pastina pasta. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes and truly feels like sunshine in a bowl.
Why This Soup is Pure Magic
I love how this soup packs so much goodness into one bowl. The broth is rich with blended carrots onions celery and garlic creating layers of flavor that will make your taste buds dance. It's super flexible too toss in whatever small pasta shapes you have or add some lentils for extra protein. The simplicity of it all just works.
Kitchen Essentials
- Vegetable Broth: 8 cups, either homemade or store-bought. Opt for low-sodium if adding salt separately.
- Onion: 1, peeled and quartered, for a sweet, aromatic base.
- Ginger: ¼ inch, adds warmth and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Carrots: 2, peeled, for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery: 4 sticks, halved, for essential broth flavor.
- Garlic: 6 cloves, peeled, for depth and immunity-boosting benefits.
- Salt: 1 tsp, optional depending on broth salinity.
- Pastina: 1½ cups dry, or substitute with orzo, mini shells, or alphabet pasta.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish and fresh herbal flavor.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked, to taste, for a finishing touch.
Making Your Healing Bowl
- Prepare the Broth
- Add vegetable broth to a large pot and bring to a boil. Add onion, ginger, carrots, celery, garlic, and salt. Simmer for 25 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Cook the Pasta
- In a separate pot, cook the pastina according to package instructions. Drizzle with oil to prevent sticking.
- Blend the Vegetables
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to a blender with 2 cups of broth. Allow to cool slightly, then blend into a thick puree.
- Combine and Serve
- Return the puree to the pot of broth and stir to combine. To serve, add cooked pastina to a bowl and pour the hot broth over it. Garnish with parsley and black pepper.
My Kitchen Secrets
After making this soup countless times I've discovered some tricks. Try swapping carrots for pumpkin when in season or toss in red lentils for extra protein. When I want something richer I blend in some coconut milk. Play with the pasta amount too some days you might want more some days less. Trust your taste buds!
Fun Ways to Switch It Up
- Spice It Up: Add a chili or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Change the Veggies: Use pumpkin, sweet potato, or parsnips in place of carrots.
- Add Protein: Stir in red lentils or chickpeas for added protein and texture.
- Make It Creamy: Blend with coconut milk or soaked cashews for a velvety finish.
- Experiment with Pasta: Try orzo, mini shells, or alphabet pasta for variety.
Perfect Pairings
Nothing beats dunking crusty bread into this golden broth. I love finishing each bowl with fresh black pepper and a sprinkle of parsley. When I want to make it a full meal I serve it with a simple green salad or some grilled vegetables on the side.
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The Beauty of This Recipe
What I love most about this soup is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The blended vegetables create this amazingly rich broth that even veggie skeptics adore. Plus it's ready in 30 minutes perfect for those days when you need comfort food fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of pasta can I use in this soup?
You can use any small pasta shape in this soup. Good options include pastina, orzo, mini shells, or alphabet pasta. The amount can be adjusted to your preference.
- → How can I make this soup creamier?
To create a creamier soup, you can add coconut milk or a handful of cashews to the blender when pureeing the vegetables. This will give the soup a richer, more luxurious texture.
- → Can I customize this soup recipe?
Yes, this soup is very adaptable. You can swap ingredients like using pumpkin instead of carrot, or add extras like red lentils or spinach. You can also add chilies for extra heat.
- → Why is it called Italian Penicillin Soup?
Like chicken soup (often called Jewish penicillin), this Italian-style soup is considered a comforting remedy when feeling unwell. The warming broth and nutritious vegetables help make you feel better.
- → Should I add extra salt to the soup?
It depends on your vegetable broth. If using a pre-salted broth, taste the soup first before adding any extra salt. You can always adjust the seasoning at the end to suit your taste.