Ah, let me share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes that warms my heart like a cozy hug from an old friend—my Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup! 🌟 This delightful soup is not only bursting with flavors but also filled with all those vibrant vegetables that make my taste buds dance. I discovered this gem on a chilly winter evening when all I wanted was something to chase away the cold. I can still remember sitting by the fireplace, enjoying each spoonful of this hearty concoction while savoring laughter and stories with my friends.
What makes this soup so special is how versatile it is. You can whip it up quickly when you need a quick meal, or let it simmer longer to enhance the flavors. Plus, it’s loaded with ingredients that are good for your soul and your health—what’s not to love? So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
What’s in Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup?
Olive Oil: This is my go-to for sautéing! It adds a lovely richness and healthy fats to the soup. I always opt for extra virgin olive oil when I can—it’s the best for flavor!
Onion: The fragrant base of the soup. When sautéed, it becomes sweet and caramelized, which is a flavor booster!
Garlic: Who doesn’t love garlic? It adds that irresistible aroma and a punch of flavor. I use fresh cloves, but pre-minced works in a pinch!
Carrots: They bring a gentle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup. Plus, they’re chock-full of vitamins!
Celery: A classic soup addition, adding crunch and depth. It plays well with the other veggies!
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: This is the soul of your soup. I usually go for low-sodium options, so I can control the salt level.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned or fresh, they introduce a delightful acidity that brightens up the dish.
Small Pasta: I like using acini di pepe or orzo because they’re adorable and absorb all those scrumptious flavors!
Dried Oregano & Basil: These herbs fill your soup with Italian goodness. Dried works, but fresh would be even better if you have some on hand!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t forget to taste as you go!
Spinach or Kale: These leafy greens make the soup nutritious and vibrant. I love the added texture they provide.
Fresh Parsley: Just a little sprinkle of freshness at the end that brightens everything up.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: This adds an irresistible creaminess and depth. Feel free to add more when serving!
Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon over the soup right before you dig in adds a refreshing zing.
Is Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! This soup brings a plethora of health benefits to the table.
Vegetables: Let’s start with the veggie brigade. Packed with vitamins and minerals, they contribute to overall health, immunity, and digestion. It’s like a daily vitamin in a bowl!
Olive Oil: Rich in healthy fats, it boosts heart health and adds to the soup’s richness.
Spinach/Kale: These leafy greens are fantastic for anti-inflammatory effects and packed with iron and vitamins!
Now, while this soup is pretty wholesome, keep in mind that if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, you might want to adjust the amount of pasta. You can even skip it altogether for a low-carb version and still enjoy all the tastes and textures.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
– 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
– 1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
– Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
This recipe serves about 6 people. Perfect for a cozy dinner with loved ones!
How to Make Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup?
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then toss in the diced onion. Sauté it until it’s translucid and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Next, add in your minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until those veggies soften up beautifully.
3. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, followed by the diced tomatoes, and bring it all to a rolling boil.
4. Once it’s boiling, stir in that cute little pasta, oregano, and basil. Reduce heat and let it simmer, cooking according to the pasta package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
5. When the pasta is just perfect al dente, it’s time to add in the spinach or kale, fresh parsley, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Stir it around until the greens have wilted and are well combined.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for a couple more minutes so everything heats through nicely.
7. Serve this comforting bowl of joy hot, garnishing it with more Parmesan cheese and perhaps a lemon wedge if you’re feeling fancy!
Comforting Additions and Variations
Mixing things up in the kitchen is totally my jam! Here are some fun tips:
– Want some protein? Toss in some cooked beans, lentils, or shredded chicken to amp up the heartiness.
– If you want to make it even creamier, you can add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream when serving.
– Feeling adventurous? Try adding different veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas based on what’s in season or what you have on hand!
I promise you, this Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup will fill your kitchen with warmth and delight. It’s perfect for those days when you just want to snuggle up and indulge in something nourishing. I hope you give it a try! Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out—I can’t wait to hear about your delicious adventures in the kitchen! Enjoy every spoonful!
