– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
– 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow macaroni)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Creating Italian Penicillin Soup can be a straightforward process if you follow these steps:
1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
3. Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper. Sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes until softened.
4. Pour in Broth: Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot, followed by the undrained diced tomatoes.
5. Season the Soup: Stir in the white beans, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7. Add Pasta: Once boiling, add the small pasta of your choice. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
8. Cook Pasta: Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
These simple steps will guide you in creating this incredible Italian Penicillin Soup effortlessly.