Italian Penicillin
What that is?
Italian Penicillin is a thing!
This soup, which locals call the “Italian Penicillin”, can be seen as medicine and reminds you of something right? Remember Grandma’s chicken soup, which always got when you had a cold? Exactly! The Italian version is called Pastina Soup, because of the pasta that goes into the broth.
What makes Pastina Soup so special?
When cold and flu season strikes, many of us turn to tried-and-true home remedies. A hot and delicious soup can work wonders for respiratory infections, and Italians have the perfect recipe: Pastina Soup.
This delightful broth with tiny pasta, affectionately called "Pastinas", is a beloved healing remedy in Italy for those suffering from sniffles and coughs. The nickname "Italian Penicillin" isn't just a cute saying – it's a testament to the soup's comforting and potentially therapeutic properties.
The Magic Ingredients:
1 celery stalk
2 carrots
1 onion
1-3 garlic cloves
Vegetable or beef broth*
Pastina pasta (or alternative small pasta like orzo)
Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
*Have a look at our Only Summer Cookbook to find the best vegetable broth recipe!
Easy Preparation:
Chop vegetables and place in a pot
Add broth and simmer for 20 minutes
Purée cooked vegetables
Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan
Add small pasta and cook until tender
Why Italians Swear By This Soup
Beyond its delicious taste, Pastina soup represents the Italian approach to healing: simple, nutritious, and made with love. Whether you're battling a cold or just need comfort, this soup delivers warmth and potential immune-boosting benefits.
Pro tip: Serve hot and enjoy the healing embrace of traditional Italian home cooking!
Italian Insider Knowledge:
Our gardener Matteo at LA VILLA knows this soup also to help with stomach ache, because it is a light but nourishing meal.
Matteo is not only our gardener at LA VILLA in Umbria, but knows about our wines!