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Italian Penicillin Soup

Italian Penicillin Soup

Italian Penicillin Soup is a warm, hearty, and nutrient-rich soup designed to soothe cold days and support your immune system. Combining wholesome ingredients like garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and fresh herbs in a flavorful chicken broth, it offers a comforting bowl of nourishment that feels like a gentle, healing hug. Simple to prepare yet gourmet in taste, this versatile soup can be adapted to various dietary preferences while delivering robust flavors and natural wellness benefits.

Ingredients

Scale

Broth Base

  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable stock for vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Aromatics & Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Finishing Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)

Optional Additions

  • Crusty bread, for serving
  • Shredded cooked chicken (for protein boost)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chili (for spicy kick)
  • Parsnips or sweet potatoes (for root vegetable medley)
  • Rosemary or sage (for herbal infusion)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Gently heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and ginger, cooking until fragrant and translucent to build the flavorful base.
  2. Add Vegetables and Broth: Stir in diced carrots, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to start melding.
  3. Simmer and Season: Add fresh thyme and parsley, then season with salt and pepper. Let the soup gently simmer for about 20 minutes to develop rich, soothing flavors.
  4. Final Flavor Boost: Just before serving, stir in fresh lemon juice and honey to brighten the soup and balance savory and sweet notes.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, add optional crusty bread, and garnish as desired with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and appeal.

Notes

  • Use homemade chicken broth whenever possible for richer flavor.
  • Fresh garlic, ginger, and herbs maximize the soup’s immune-supporting qualities and taste.
  • Simmer the soup slowly to allow flavors to meld fully.
  • Adjust lemon juice and honey at the end to find your preferred balance of tangy and sweet.
  • Add cooked noodles or grains to increase texture and heartiness if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: immunity boosting soup, garlic ginger soup, Italian soup, cold remedy soup, healthy winter soup, healing soup, gluten free soup