Italian Penicillin Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Italian Penicillin Soup is a warm and hearty dish that is perfect for any time of year, but especially comforting during cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. Packed with vegetables and protein-rich beans, this soup is not only delicious but also healthy! It’s a great way to get in your daily veggies and can be easily customized to suit your taste.

How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups spinach or kale
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and basil, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil.
4. Add the cannellini beans and spinach. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup

Italian Penicillin Soup is best served hot. Ladle it into bowls and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, if you like. Pair it with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal. It’s a comforting dish that everyone in the family will enjoy!

How to Store Italian Penicillin Soup

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you want to eat it again, simply reheat it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Italian Penicillin Soup

• Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use fresh herbs if you have them on hand, but remember that you’ll need about three times the amount compared to dried herbs.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the vegetables.

Variation

You can make a variation of this soup by adding cooked pasta or rice for a more filling meal. You can also substitute cannellini beans with other beans like chickpeas or black beans if you prefer.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
A: Yes, you can use chicken broth if you prefer, but it will change the flavor slightly.

Q: Is this soup vegan?
A: Yes, as long as you skip the Parmesan cheese, this soup is vegan.

Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Yes! This soup stores well in the refrigerator and is great for meal prep. Just reheat before serving.