Italian Penicillin Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Healing
When you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a homemade soup to warm you up and boost your immune system. This Italian Penicillin Soup takes things up a notch by making the broth from scratch with fresh vegetables and herbs, creating a rich, flavorful base full of nutrients. We’re slow-simmering bone-in chicken thighs with aromatic vegetables and herbs, then blending those vegetables back into the soup for a creamy, hearty texture.
Perfect for when you're feeling under the weather or just craving a comforting meal, this soup is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Broth:
4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
3 large carrots, roughly chopped
1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
1 yellow onion, quartered
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
A handful of fresh parsley
10 cups water
For the Soup:
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup orzo pasta (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Directions:
1. Make the Broth:
In a large pot, add the chicken thighs, carrots, red bell pepper, onion, celery, peppercorns, bay leaves, rosemary, and parsley.
Pour in 10 cups of water, ensuring the ingredients are fully submerged. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1.5 hours, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. The chicken should be tender and the broth fragrant.
2. Strain the Broth:
After the broth has simmered, carefully remove the chicken thighs and set them aside to cool.
Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot, separating the vegetables. Discard the bay leaves, peppercorns, and herb sprigs.
3. Blend the Vegetables:
Transfer the strained vegetables (carrots, onions, peppers, and celery) to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Return the blended vegetable mixture to the broth, stirring to combine.
4. Prepare the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bones and return the shredded chicken to the soup.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir the garlic into the soup along with the dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Simmer for another 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Add Orzo (Optional):
If using orzo, add it to the soup and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
7. Season and Serve:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Penicillin Soup:
Homemade Broth: Slow-simmered with fresh vegetables and herbs, this broth is deeply flavorful and packed with nutrients.
Creamy & Hearty: Blending the vegetables into the broth adds a creamy texture without any cream, making this a lighter yet satisfying dish.
Immune-Boosting Ingredients: Garlic, fresh herbs, and bone-in chicken create a powerful combination to support your immune system.
Customizable: Add orzo pasta for a more filling meal or keep it light by skipping the grains.
This Italian Penicillin Soup is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, ideal for cold days, recovery meals, or whenever you need a hearty, homemade dish. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and flavorful broth, it's a warm and satisfying bowl that feels like a hug in soup form!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this recipe is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or dietary advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional if you have any specific dietary needs or health concerns. I am not liable for any adverse reactions, allergies, or other issues that may arise from following this recipe. All recipes should be used at your own risk.
