When life gets busy or you feel under the weather, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm, hearty soup. Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup is a plant-based twist on the traditional “cure-all” chicken soup. Packed with vibrant flavors, nutrient-rich ingredients, and an Italian flair, this soup is perfect for soothing both the body and soul.
Not only is it a comfort food staple, but it’s also easy to make and loaded with immune-boosting goodness. Whether you’re recovering from a cold or simply craving a nourishing meal, this soup will leave you feeling cozy and cared for.
Ingredients for Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to prepare this hearty soup:
Base Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 8 cups |
| Low-sodium vegetable broth | 2 cups |
| Yellow onion (quartered) | 1 large |
| Carrots (chunked) | 3 |
| Celery ribs (chunked) | 2 |
| Garlic cloves (smashed) | 4 |
Soup Base Spice/Herb Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Sea salt | ½ to 1 ½ teaspoons |
Added Spice/Herb Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Italian seasoning | ¼ teaspoon |
| Dried crushed thyme leaves | ¼ teaspoon |
| Dried parsley | 2 teaspoons |
| Poultry seasoning (vegan) | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Sweet paprika | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Dried rosemary | Pinch |
| Black pepper | 1/8 teaspoon |
Other Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegan Parmesan Cheese | ¼ cup |
| Miso (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Cooked small pasta | As needed (pastina, orzo, couscous) |
Optional Toppings:
| Ingredient | Usage |
|---|---|
| Vegan Parmesan Cheese | Generous sprinkle |
| Freshly chopped parsley | Garnish |
Why You’ll Love Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup
- Immune-Boosting Ingredients: Packed with garlic, veggies, and herbs to support your health.
- Customizable Flavors: You can adjust spices and toppings to suit your taste.
- Comforting and Nourishing: Perfect for cold days, sick days, or any day you need a pick-me-up.
- Easy to Prepare: No complicated techniques, just wholesome ingredients simmered to perfection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup
1. Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
- Wash and chop the vegetables into chunks for easy cooking.
- Measure out the spices, herbs, and other ingredients to streamline the process.
2. Start the Broth Base
- In a large pot, combine water, vegetable broth, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Add the Soup Base Spices
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, bay leaves, and sea salt.
- Let the broth simmer for 20–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Enhance the Flavor
- Add the Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, poultry seasoning, paprika, rosemary, and black pepper.
- Simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Incorporate Other Ingredients
- Stir in the vegan Parmesan cheese, miso (if using), and lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or herbs as needed.
6. Cook the Pasta
- Prepare your choice of small pasta, such as pastina, orzo, or couscous, according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
7. Assemble the Soup
- Remove the bay leaves and larger vegetable chunks from the broth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the soup just before serving.
8. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
Tips for the Perfect Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup
1. Use High-Quality Broth
Opt for a low-sodium vegetable broth to control the saltiness and let the herbs shine.
2. Adjust to Taste
If you prefer a stronger flavor, increase the Italian seasoning or add more lemon juice for a zesty kick.
3. Keep It Fresh
Add fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a burst of brightness.
4. Make It Heartier
Add chickpeas, white beans, or extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for a more filling soup.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 bowl, with pasta) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
Creative Variations for Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red chili flakes for some heat.
- Mediterranean Flavor: Toss in olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Creamy Option: Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier consistency.
- Grain Swap: Substitute pasta with quinoa, farro, or barley for a whole-grain option.
FAQs About Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen as the soup sits. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
2. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but omit the pasta before freezing. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to avoid mushiness.
3. What can I use instead of miso?
If you don’t have miso, you can skip it or use nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor.
4. Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free pasta or grains like rice or quinoa.
5. How can I add more protein?
Add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or vegan chicken substitutes to boost protein.
6. What if I don’t have vegan Parmesan?
Try nutritional yeast or make your own vegan Parmesan using ground nuts and seasonings.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Comfort and Care
Making Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup is more than just cooking—it’s an act of love and self-care. Whether you’re under the weather or simply seeking a nourishing meal, this soup delivers warmth, flavor, and comfort in every spoonful.
So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and whip up a batch of this wholesome, plant-based goodness. Your body and taste buds will thank you!
When life gets busy or you feel under the weather, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm, hearty soup. Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup is a plant-based twist on the traditional “cure-all” chicken soup. Packed with vibrant flavors, nutrient-rich ingredients, and an Italian flair, this soup is perfect for soothing both the body and soul.
Not only is it a comfort food staple, but it’s also easy to make and loaded with immune-boosting goodness. Whether you’re recovering from a cold or simply craving a nourishing meal, this soup will leave you feeling cozy and cared for.
Ingredients for Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to prepare this hearty soup:
Base Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 8 cups |
| Low-sodium vegetable broth | 2 cups |
| Yellow onion (quartered) | 1 large |
| Carrots (chunked) | 3 |
| Celery ribs (chunked) | 2 |
| Garlic cloves (smashed) | 4 |
Soup Base Spice/Herb Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Sea salt | ½ to 1 ½ teaspoons |
Added Spice/Herb Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Italian seasoning | ¼ teaspoon |
| Dried crushed thyme leaves | ¼ teaspoon |
| Dried parsley | 2 teaspoons |
| Poultry seasoning (vegan) | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Sweet paprika | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Dried rosemary | Pinch |
| Black pepper | 1/8 teaspoon |
Other Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegan Parmesan Cheese | ¼ cup |
| Miso (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Cooked small pasta | As needed (pastina, orzo, couscous) |
Optional Toppings:
| Ingredient | Usage |
|---|---|
| Vegan Parmesan Cheese | Generous sprinkle |
| Freshly chopped parsley | Garnish |
Why You’ll Love Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup
- Immune-Boosting Ingredients: Packed with garlic, veggies, and herbs to support your health.
- Customizable Flavors: You can adjust spices and toppings to suit your taste.
- Comforting and Nourishing: Perfect for cold days, sick days, or any day you need a pick-me-up.
- Easy to Prepare: No complicated techniques, just wholesome ingredients simmered to perfection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup
1. Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
- Wash and chop the vegetables into chunks for easy cooking.
- Measure out the spices, herbs, and other ingredients to streamline the process.
2. Start the Broth Base
- In a large pot, combine water, vegetable broth, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Add the Soup Base Spices
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, bay leaves, and sea salt.
- Let the broth simmer for 20–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Enhance the Flavor
- Add the Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, poultry seasoning, paprika, rosemary, and black pepper.
- Simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Incorporate Other Ingredients
- Stir in the vegan Parmesan cheese, miso (if using), and lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or herbs as needed.
6. Cook the Pasta
- Prepare your choice of small pasta, such as pastina, orzo, or couscous, according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
7. Assemble the Soup
- Remove the bay leaves and larger vegetable chunks from the broth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the soup just before serving.
8. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
Tips for the Perfect Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup
1. Use High-Quality Broth
Opt for a low-sodium vegetable broth to control the saltiness and let the herbs shine.
2. Adjust to Taste
If you prefer a stronger flavor, increase the Italian seasoning or add more lemon juice for a zesty kick.
3. Keep It Fresh
Add fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a burst of brightness.
4. Make It Heartier
Add chickpeas, white beans, or extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for a more filling soup.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 bowl, with pasta) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
Creative Variations for Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red chili flakes for some heat.
- Mediterranean Flavor: Toss in olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Creamy Option: Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier consistency.
- Grain Swap: Substitute pasta with quinoa, farro, or barley for a whole-grain option.
FAQs About Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen as the soup sits. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
2. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but omit the pasta before freezing. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to avoid mushiness.
3. What can I use instead of miso?
If you don’t have miso, you can skip it or use nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor.
4. Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free pasta or grains like rice or quinoa.
5. How can I add more protein?
Add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or vegan chicken substitutes to boost protein.
6. What if I don’t have vegan Parmesan?
Try nutritional yeast or make your own vegan Parmesan using ground nuts and seasonings.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Comfort and Care
Making Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup is more than just cooking—it’s an act of love and self-care. Whether you’re under the weather or simply seeking a nourishing meal, this soup delivers warmth, flavor, and comfort in every spoonful.
So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and whip up a batch of this wholesome, plant-based goodness. Your body and taste buds will thank you!