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- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 large onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 medium potato, cubed - 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen) - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cooked pasta (such as ditalini or orzo) - 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish You can add a few ingredients to make this soup even better. Consider these: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. - A squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. - A handful of grated Parmesan for creaminess. - A touch of balsamic vinegar for depth. If you can't find some ingredients, here are some swaps: - Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer taste. - Swap the potato for sweet potato for a sweeter flavor. - Zucchini can replace the celery for a different texture. - Use any leafy green if you can't find spinach or kale. These swaps let you play with flavors while keeping the soup comforting. Enjoy the process! Start by gathering all your ingredients. Having everything ready makes cooking easy and fun. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Cube the potato and chop the spinach or kale. This prep makes a big difference in how smooth your cooking goes. 1. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add the onions: Toss in the diced onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent. 3. Mix in garlic and veggies: Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften. 4. Combine remaining ingredients: Add the cubed potato, green peas, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring this mix to a boil. 5. Simmer the soup: Lower the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. Cook until the potatoes are tender. 6. Season the soup: Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Stir well to mix these flavors. 7. Add pasta and greens: Stir in the cooked pasta and chopped spinach or kale. Cook for another 5 minutes until the greens wilt. 8. Final touch: Adjust the seasoning if needed. Your soup is now ready to serve! Keep an eye on the heat level. Medium heat is best for sautéing. Once you add the broth, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. This step keeps the flavors rich. If you find the soup too thick, add a bit more broth or water. Make sure to taste as you cook. Adjusting flavors early helps you create the best soup! To boost the taste of your Italian Penicillin Soup, add a few extra spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. Fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, can brighten the soup. You can also use homemade broth instead of store-bought. This change adds depth and richness. A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end can bring all the flavors together. Lastly, don't skip the lemon zest. It adds brightness and freshness to each bowl. To keep your soup thick and hearty, use the right amount of broth. Start with six cups but adjust if needed. If you like it thicker, mash some potato cubes with a fork. This adds creaminess without dairy. If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth or water. Stir well to mix everything evenly. Also, add the pasta towards the end of cooking. This prevents it from getting mushy. Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A large pot is essential for this soup. It allows enough space for all the ingredients to cook evenly. A good knife is also important for dicing vegetables quickly. A wooden spoon works great for stirring. For blending or pureeing, a hand blender can save time. Lastly, measuring cups help ensure you add the right amounts of each ingredient. {{image_2}} You can easily make this soup vegetarian or vegan. The base is already plant-based. Just use vegetable broth, which I always recommend. For extra protein, add beans like white beans or chickpeas. They add texture and keep you full. You can also replace the pasta with quinoa for a hearty twist. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. There are many types available now. Be sure to check the label and cook it separately. Add it to the soup right before serving. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. You can also add rice or lentils as a great substitute. Feel free to swap out any veggies you don’t like. Zucchini or bell peppers work well. You can also change the herbs. Basil or rosemary can add a nice flavor. If you want a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes. For a creamier soup, blend a portion before serving. This creates a rich texture without using dairy. After enjoying your Italian Penicillin Soup, let it cool down. Pour any leftovers into an airtight container. This helps keep the soup fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze your soup, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top. This lets the soup expand when it freezes. It’s best to use the soup within three months for peak flavor. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove. Stir often and heat until warm. You can also microwave it, but stir it halfway for even heating. The soup lasts up to three days in the fridge and three months in the freezer. For best quality, always check for any changes in smell or texture before eating. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it. Keeping the soup in small portions helps with quick reheating. This way, you can enjoy a warm bowl anytime! Italian Penicillin Soup is full of good ingredients. The broth warms your soul. The garlic helps fight off colds. Carrots and spinach boost your vitamins. Each bite feels comforting and soothing. The soup is a warm hug on a cold day. The lemon zest brightens the flavor and adds freshness. This soup offers heartiness and warmth, making it perfect for recovery. Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker! Just follow these steps: - Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic. - Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. - Add all the other ingredients, except for the pasta and greens. - Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. - Stir in the cooked pasta and greens for the last 15 minutes. This method will bring out all the flavors slowly and nicely. You can easily change this soup to fit your needs. Here are some ideas: - For gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or omit it. - For vegan: Ensure the broth is vegetable-based and skip any dairy. - For low-sodium: Use low-sodium broth and limit added salt. You can also add or swap in your favorite veggies. Adjust the herbs to suit your taste. This soup is flexible and can fit many diets! This blog post explored the key ingredients for Italian Penicillin Soup and how to prepare it step-by-step. I shared tips for enhancing flavor and achieving the right consistency. You can easily adjust the recipe based on dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste. Enjoy making this comforting soup, and feel free to experiment with your own twists! Your delicious journey with Italian Penicillin Soup starts now.

Italian Penicillin Soup

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Healing Italian Penicillin Soup! This nourishing recipe is packed with vegetables, savory herbs, and tender pasta to boost your health and lift your spirits. Discover how simple ingredients like garlic, spinach, and a hint of lemon zest come together to create a delicious, wholesome meal. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this Italian classic to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 medium potato, cubed

1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

6 cups vegetable broth

1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cooked pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)

2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.

    Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

      Add the cubed potato, green peas, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.

        Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

          Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Stir well.

            Incorporate the cooked pasta and fresh spinach or kale into the soup. Cook for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.

              Adjust seasoning if necessary and remove from heat.

                Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6