Italian Penicillin Soup: A Healing Bowl of Comfort and Flavor

When the days are cold or your body feels under the weather, nothing beats a warm, soothing bowl of soup. The Italian Penicillin Soup is a modern twist on traditional Italian flavors, designed to comfort, heal, and delight your taste buds at the same time. Infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon, this soup is like a gentle hug for your insides—light yet full of flavor. Here’s how you can create it step by step.

Ingredients

For 4 servings, you will need:

For the soup base:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup water
Salt and black pepper to taste

For flavor and “healing power”:

1 small piece of fresh ginger, grated (about 1 teaspoon)
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for anti-inflammatory benefits)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Parmesan cheese shavings (optional, for richness)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté gently for 5–7 minutes until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften. This creates the aromatic base of the soup, releasing sweet and savory flavors that make every spoonful comforting.

Step 2: Add Herbs and Spices

Sprinkle in thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir them with the vegetables for 1–2 minutes. The warmth of these herbs enhances the soup’s flavor and adds subtle, healing qualities.