Description
Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of italian penicillin soup, a healing classic from Italy’s culinary heart. Garlic, herbs, and tender chicken merge into a soulful remedy that promises warmth and nourishment with each spoonful you savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Base and Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until they turn translucent and develop a soft, glossy appearance.
- Introduce minced garlic, carrots, and celery into the pot, allowing them to dance and soften for 3-4 minutes while releasing their aromatic essence.
- Incorporate zucchini, bell pepper, and fragrant herbs – thyme, oregano, and basil – stirring continuously to marry the flavors and create a vibrant vegetable medley.
- Cascade vegetable broth and diced tomatoes into the pot, elevating the heat until the liquid reaches a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Delicately add pasta and allow it to cook until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Calibrate the soup’s flavor profile by seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed to achieve a harmonious balance.
- Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, creating a final touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Swap ingredients for dietary needs like using gluten-free pasta or replacing vegetables with seasonal alternatives.
- Boost protein by adding cooked chicken, white beans, or tofu cubes during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Enhance flavor complexity by roasting vegetables before adding them to the soup for deeper, caramelized notes.
- Freeze leftover soup in portioned containers for quick meal prep, keeping pasta separate to prevent mushiness when reheating.
- Prep Time: 8-10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26-34 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg