Description
Homestyle Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting and healing soup that combines immune-boosting ingredients such as garlic, ginger, honey, and fresh herbs with a rich chicken broth base. Designed to soothe colds and nourish the body, it features classic Italian flavors and wholesome vegetables, making it a versatile, quick, and soul-warming meal ideal for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Liquids and Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable stock for vegetarian version)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil drizzle
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté gently for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become aromatic, releasing their flavors as the base for the soup.
- Add the Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth and add dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Lemon and Honey: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey. These ingredients brighten the soup and add healing properties that help soothe sore throats and aid recovery.
- Season and Simmer: Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to add gentle heat. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and healing experience.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and herbs whenever possible for stronger flavor and medicinal benefits.
- Simmer the soup gently to avoid bitterness from the herbs and garlic.
- Add honey gradually to balance the acidity from the lemon juice.
- Do not skip the lemon, as its brightness is essential to the soup’s revitalizing qualities.
- Using homemade chicken broth enhances the depth and nutritional value of the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: immune-boosting soup, healing soup, Italian soup, garlic soup, ginger soup, comforting soup, cold remedy, gluten free soup
