Italian Penicillin Soup: A Comforting Remedy
Short Introduction
Italian Penicillin Soup is a delightful and hearty vegetable soup that is perfect for warming you up on chilly days. Packed with fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs, this soup not only nourishes your body but also delights your taste buds. It’s often considered a cozy remedy, making it an ideal choice for when you’re feeling under the weather or simply need a comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love It
This soup is loved for many reasons. First, it is loaded with vegetables, making it a healthy choice full of vitamins and minerals. The combination of garlic and herbs like basil and oregano adds flavor and has immune-boosting properties. Moreover, it’s a simple recipe that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want something delicious without too much fuss. Lastly, the option to add leafy greens like spinach or kale enhances the nutritional value further, making this soup a true powerhouse.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spinach or kale (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional)
Substitutions & Key Variations
If you don’t have some of the ingredients on hand, that’s okay! Here are some substitutions you can use:
- Olive oil can be replaced with any cooking oil or butter.
- If you’re out of vegetable broth, chicken broth works well too.
- You can swap the carrots and celery for other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
- For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- If fresh herbs are available, feel free to use them in place of dried herbs for an even more aromatic soup.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they are softened and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Next, stir in the sliced carrots and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening.
Step 3: Combine the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the vegetable broth along with the can of diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine well.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Add Greens (Optional)
If you’re including leafy greens like spinach or kale, add them to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cook until the greens are wilted.
Step 6: Adjust and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve warm, with a squeeze of lemon juice on top if desired.
Success Tips
- Make sure your vegetables are diced evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Don’t rush the simmering process – letting the soup cook longer enhances the flavors.
- Common mistakes include overcooking the veggies until mushy or under-seasoning the broth. Tasting as you go can help prevent this.
How to Serve
Italian Penicillin Soup can be served as a main dish or a side. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also garnish it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for extra flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can freeze the soup as well, storing it for up to three months. When reheating, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, add a touch of water or broth to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan since it uses vegetable broth and no animal products.
2. How can I make it spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to your soup for some extra heat.
3. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables can be a great time-saver. Just toss them in during the cooking process.
4. How long does it take to make?
This soup takes about 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick option for dinner.
5. Can I add protein to this soup?
Yes! You can easily add cooked beans, such as chickpeas or cannellini beans, for a protein boost.
Nutrition Notes / Equivalents
This soup is rich in vitamins A and C, thanks to the vegetables. It’s also low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
Conclusion
Italian Penicillin Soup is the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly day or to enjoy when you’re feeling under the weather. Its easy preparation and wholesome ingredients make it a staple in many kitchens. Try making it today or add it to your meal prep for the week. You won’t regret having this warm, comforting soup on hand!
Links to Related Recipes
Italian Penicillin Soup
Ingredients
Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Can be replaced with any cooking oil or butter.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 3 medium carrots, sliced Can be swapped with bell peppers or zucchini.
- 2 stalks celery, sliced Can be substituted with other vegetables.
Broth and Seasonings
- 6 cups vegetable broth Can be substituted with chicken broth.
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil Fresh herbs can be used if available.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Fresh herbs can be used if available.
- to taste salt and pepper
Optional Additions
- to taste spinach or kale Optional leafy greens.
- to taste lemon juice Optional for serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Cooking
- Stir in the sliced carrots and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, along with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- If using leafy greens, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.