Description
This comforting Italian Penicillin Soup is a flavorful and nourishing broth-based soup featuring tender sautéed vegetables, delicate pastina pasta, and enriched with Parmesan cheese and a silky egg drizzle. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines simple ingredients with a boost of turmeric for warmth and health benefits.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Soup Base & Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken bone broth
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- ½ cup pastina or orzo
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg, thoroughly whisked
- Optional: fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced celery, carrot, and onion, sautéing until they become softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken bone broth, then season with turmeric, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pastina or orzo to the simmering broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Enrich with Parmesan & Butter: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and remaining butter until they melt completely into the soup, creating a rich flavor.
- Incorporate the Egg: Slowly drizzle the thoroughly whisked egg into the soup while stirring continuously to create a silky, enriched texture without scrambling the egg.
- Finish with Fresh Flavors: Add fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired to brighten the flavors before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy its comforting warmth and nourishing qualities.
Notes
- You can substitute pastina with orzo or any small pasta you prefer.
- Be sure to stir continuously when adding the egg to avoid curdling.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of your broth and Parmesan.
- The turmeric adds an anti-inflammatory boost and subtle earthiness but can be omitted if preferred.
- Adding lemon and parsley is optional but enhances freshness and balances richness.
