Pastina Soup is a comforting, simple Italian soup made with tiny pasta (pastina), broth, and often a sprinkle of cheese. It’s light yet filling, and it’s perfect for a cozy meal, especially when you’re under the weather. Here’s a classic recipe for Pastina Soup:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pastina (tiny pasta, like Stelline or Acini di Pepe)
- 1 egg (optional, for added richness)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Broth:
- Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth, and stir to combine with the vegetables.
- Add the bay leaf and dried thyme (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Cook the Pastina:
- Stir in the pastina (tiny pasta) and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Optional: Add the Egg:
- If you want to add a bit of extra richness to your soup, whisk the egg in a small bowl.
- Once the pasta is cooked, slowly pour the egg into the hot soup while stirring gently. This will create little egg ribbons throughout the soup. Stir continuously for a few minutes until the egg is fully incorporated.
- Final Adjustments:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot!
Serving Suggestions:
- You can serve the soup with some crusty bread on the side to soak up the broth.
- For added flavor, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving can elevate the taste.
Pastina Soup is a versatile and comforting dish that’s simple to make yet full of flavor. You can adjust the vegetables and seasonings to your liking, and it’s great for any time of year! Enjoy!