Homemade Minestrina Soup: Italian Penicillin Soup

Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!  If you're seeking a comforting, nutritious, and delicious meal, look no further than my Homemade Minestrina Soup!  Often referred to as "Italian Penicillin," this traditional Italian soup is a heartwarming remedy that not only satisfies your taste buds, but also boosts you immune system.  

In this post I'll guide you through the process of making this flavorful soup at home, share the health benefits of its ingredients, and explain why it's a staple in Italian households. I can't wait so...

Let's Get Started!

WHAT IS MINESTRINA SOUP?

Minestrina is a traditional Italian soup known for its simplicity and wholesome ingredients.  The term "Minestrina" translates to "little soup" in Italian, reflecting its light yet nourishing nature.  This soup is often enjoyed as a starter or a light meal, and it's particularly cherished during cold seasons for its comforting warmth and healing properties.

WHY MINESTRINA SOUP IS CALLED ITALIAN PENICILLIN:

Minestrina Soup is often dubbed "Italian Penicillin" because of its remarkable ability to provide comfort and relief during illness, much like chicken noodle soup is known for in other cultures.  The combination of nutrient-rich vegetables, broth, and garlic creates a powerful concoction that supports the immune system, soothes the throat, and provides essential hydration.  

INGREDIENTS AND THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS:

The magic of Minestrina Soup lies in its fresh and simple ingredients each contributing to the soup's health benefits:

1.  Vegetables:

• Carrots:  Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, and antioxidants.  Carrots are known to improve eye health and boost immunity.
• Celery:  A great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.  It helps redice inflammation and supports digestive health.
• Onions:  Packed with vitamins, minerals, and potent antioxidants, onions have antibacterial properties and promote heart health.
• Garlic:  Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic helps fight off colds and infections.

2.  Broth:

• Chicken Broth:  Provides a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.  It's soothing for the throat and helps alleviate cold symptoms.
• Vegetable Broth:  For a vegetarian version, vegetable broth offers a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health.  

3.  Pasta:

• Small Pasta Shapes:  Such as orzo, ditalini, stars, or small shells.  These add hearty texture to the soup and provide energy through carbohydrates.

4.  Herbs and Spices:

• Parsley:  High in vitamin A, C, and K, parsley adds a fresh flavor while boosting your immune system.  
• Bay Leaves:  Known for their ability to enhance digestion and add depth of flavor.  
• Salt and Pepper:  Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.  

WHAT YOU WILL LOVE ABOUT THIS SOUP:

1. It's quick and easy.  From start to finish you can have this made-from-scratch soup on the table in about 20 minutes. 
2. It uses simple ingredients.  You never know when sickness will hit in your home, and this recipe is as simple as broth and pasta if need 
3. It's easy to customize.  This is my recipe for Minestrina soup, but honestly you can use whatever broth, veggies, and tiny pasta you have on had.  The thing you CAN'T skimp on is the cheese.  It's a sacred rule.
4. It's both nourishing AND comforting. Fill with rich broth and darling petite pasta, it will warm your heart from the inside.  

RECIPE:  HOMEMADE MINESTRINA SOUP

INGREDIENTS:

• 7 cups Water or Broth
• 2 Carrots, diced
• 2 Celery Stalks, diced
• 1 Onion, diced
• 2 cloves of Garlic
• 1 (7 oz) bag of tiny Star-Shaped Pasta ( I found mine on Amazon HERE)
• Parmesan Cheese, grated
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1.  Prepare the Broth:

• Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaf to a pot of water.  Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes.  You will want the carrots to be nice and tender.
• Remove the bay leaf from the pot and add the cooked vegetables to a blender with 1-2 cup of the broth. 
• Blend until smooth and return to the pot of broth.

2.  Cook the Pasta:

• Bring the broth up to a boil and add the pasta.  
• Cook the pasta for 7 minutes.  DO NOT OVERCOOK YOUR PASTA!

3.  Finish and Serve:

• Once the pasta is cooked, taste for seasoning and make any adjustments you feel it needs.  
• Add as much freshly grated Parmesan cheese as your heart desires and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.  
• Ladle the Homemade Minestrina Soup into a bowl and serve hot.  Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal. 

Homemade Minestrina Soup is more than just a meal; it's a tradition passed down through generations, offering both nourishment and comfort.  Its simple yet powerful ingredients make it a go-to remedy for colds and a staple for anyone seeking a healthy and delicious dish.  Try making Minestrina Soup at home and experience the healing benefits of this classic Italian Recipe.  

And as always....

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~