PASTINA: THE REAL HOT ITALIAN PENICILLIN

This comforting vegetable broth with pastina is a hearty and healthy soup, perfect for cold days or when you need a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Filled with fresh vegetables and tender noodles, it is a warm, nutritious and flavorful dish.

Why you will like this recipe

• Nutritious and light: Rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, with few calories.
• Easy to make: a simple recipe that uses common ingredients from the pantry and refrigerator.
• Versatile: Perfect as a light main dish or as an appetizer for a cozy dinner party.
• Customizable: Adjust the dressing or vegetables to your liking.

Cooking Time and Servings

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup pastina (such as fili d’angelo/angel hair)
• 1 potato, finely diced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1/2 small onion, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 small zucchini, finely diced
• 2–3 cherry tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 8 cups water
• Salt, to taste
• 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (evo oil)
• Grana or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated (optional)
• Chili pepper, to taste (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

METHOD

We finely slice all the vegetables.

In a pot, we pour the extra virgin olive oil.

We add a very small clove of garlic, onion, carrot, zucchini, celery, potatoes, cherry tomatoes and let it cook a little.

After two minutes, we add a little chili pepper and tomato sauce.

We adjust the salt and let it cook for another 2 minutes.

We turn the flame to high and add the water.

We cover with the lid and let it cook on a high flame for 40-45 minutes.

If you prefer classic broth, you can directly add the pastina.

Or you can blend it quickly with a blender.

Add the pastina and let it cook.

When there are about 2 minutes left until the pastina is cooked, turn off the flame and let it rest for 3-4 minutes.

At this point, before serving, add the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

One last stir and the dish is ready.

If you want, you can garnish with parsley.

Enjoy!!!

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Tips for Success

1. For More Flavor: Add a Parmesan rind while simmering for a rich, umami kick.
2. Make It Vegan: Skip the cheese and use plant-based Parmesan substitutes.
3. Customize Vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables like spinach, leeks, or peas for variety.
4. Meal Prep-Friendly: Prepare the broth ahead of time and add fresh pastina when reheating.

This Vegetable Broth with Pastina is a bowl of comfort that’s both soul-soothing and satisfying. Buon appetito! 🍲