This Easy Pastina Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that warms the soul. With its smooth, blended broth and tiny pasta shapes, this soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little extra comfort. It’s versatile enough for family dinners, quick lunches, or even when you’re feeling under the weather. The hidden veggies make it an excellent choice for picky eaters!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Healing: This soup provides warmth and nourishment, making it ideal for cold days or when you’re feeling unwell.
- Hidden Veggies: Blending the vegetables into the broth means you get all the nutrition without the texture that some may dislike.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in under an hour.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices for extra flavor without compromising simplicity.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe keeps well, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Easy Pastina Soup efficiently, there are a few essential tools you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Blender
- Slotted spoon
- Small pot
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the broth and vegetables evenly while allowing space for boiling.
- Blender: Helps create a smooth, creamy texture by blending the cooked vegetables with the broth.
- Slotted spoon: Useful for transferring cooked veggies to the blender without taking too much liquid.
- Small pot: Needed for boiling the pastina separately to ensure it cooks perfectly.
Ingredients
For the Broth
- 10.5 cups water (2 ½ liters), or use organic unsalted veggie broth or ½ water and ½ broth
- 1 yellow onion (peeled and halved)
- 2 celery ribs (cut in half)
- 3 carrots (peeled)
- 4 garlic cloves (peeled)
- Salt (start with ½ tablespoon, then taste and adjust)
For the Pasta
- 1 cup pastina (boiled; any small pasta shape such as orzo, little stars, or tiny macaroni noodles)
For Garnish
- Parmigiano (for garnish)
How to Make Easy Pastina Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Fill a large pot with water (or use ½ water and ½ organic unsalted vegetable broth) over high heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and season with salt. Bring everything to a boil.
Step 2: Simmer the Vegetables
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and semi-cover with a lid. Let cook for about 45 minutes until all veggies are very soft. Taste your broth and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Blend the Veggies
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked veggies into a blender along with two ladles of broth. Blend until smooth—this should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Return this blended mixture back into the pot with remaining broth.
Step 4: Cook the Pastina
In a separate small pot, boil your chosen pastina in salted water until al dente according to package instructions.
Step 5: Serve Your Soup
Place a ladle of cooked pastina at the bottom of each bowl. Pour hot broth over it and top with grated parmigiano. Enjoy your comforting Easy Pastina Soup!
How to Serve Easy Pastina Soup
Easy Pastina Soup is a warm and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy night or sharing it with friends, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- Pair the soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. A nice sourdough or whole grain bread complements the broth well.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each bowl of soup with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the flavors and add a pop of color.
Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle grated parmigiano or another hard cheese on top right before serving for an extra layer of richness.
Include a Side Salad
- A light green salad dressed in vinaigrette can balance the soup’s heartiness and add freshness to your meal.
How to Perfect Easy Pastina Soup
Perfecting your Easy Pastina Soup can elevate its flavor and texture. Follow these tips to make your soup truly shine.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and good-quality broth for a rich and flavorful base.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the broth before serving and adjust salt as needed to enhance flavors.
- Blend Smoothly: Ensure that you blend the vegetables until completely smooth for a creamy texture without any chunks.
- Cook Pastina Separately: Boil pastina separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy in the broth.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Pastina Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Pastina Soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Quick to prepare, garlic bread adds a crunchy texture that complements the soup perfectly.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil create a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a savory element that pairs well with soup.
- Bruschetta: Topped with diced tomatoes and basil, bruschetta brings brightness to your meal.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese makes for a filling side that matches the comfort of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Filled with grains and vegetables, stuffed peppers offer a hearty addition to your dinner table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Pastina Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Overcooking the Vegetables: If you cook the vegetables for too long, they may lose their vibrant colors and flavors. Aim for soft veggies but avoid mushiness by checking them periodically.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season adequately can lead to bland soup. Start with salt and taste as you go, adjusting with more if necessary.
- Not Blending Enough: A smooth broth is key. If your blender isn’t powerful enough, blend in batches or strain before serving for a refined texture.
- Choosing the Wrong Pasta: Using larger pasta shapes can overshadow the soup’s soothing quality. Opt for small pastina varieties like orzo or tiny macaroni for the best result.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold water or ingredients can drop the temperature of your broth. Ensure everything is at room temperature before starting.
- Skipping Garnishes: A sprinkle of parmigiano adds depth and flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Easy Pastina Soup in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Pastina Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Pastina Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common inquiries regarding Easy Pastina Soup.
Can I use different vegetables in Easy Pastina Soup?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with seasonal veggies like zucchini, spinach, or peas. Just ensure they blend well into the broth.
How do I make Easy Pastina Soup vegetarian?
Simply use vegetable broth instead of water and add more vegetables as desired. The recipe is already meat-free!
What is pastina?
Pastina refers to small pasta shapes often used in soups. Ideal choices include tiny stars, orzo, or small macaroni.
Can I make Easy Pastina Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners.
How do I customize my Easy Pastina Soup?
You can add different herbs, spices, or even beans for protein. Adjust seasoning to suit your taste!
Final Thoughts
Easy Pastina Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. Its smooth texture and rich flavor make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs! Enjoy this delicious recipe today.
Easy Pastina Soup
Indulge in the comforting embrace of Easy Pastina Soup, a delightful dish that promises warmth and nourishment. This smooth, blended soup combines the goodness of fresh vegetables with tiny pasta shapes, making it perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re seeking a soothing meal. The hidden veggies blend seamlessly into the broth, ensuring even the pickiest eaters get their nutrition without any unwanted textures. Quick to prepare and customizable with your favorite herbs or spices, this soup is an ideal choice for family dinners, quick lunches, or meal prep. Enjoy a bowlful of comfort any day of the week!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 10.5 cups water or organic unsalted vegetable broth
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 celery ribs
- 3 carrots
- 4 garlic cloves
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 cup pastina (or small pasta shape)
- Grated Parmigiano (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine water or broth with halved onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 45 minutes until veggies are very soft. Adjust seasoning.
- Transfer cooked veggies to a blender with some broth and blend until smooth. Return to pot.
- In a small pot, cook pastina according to package instructions until al dente.
- Serve by placing pastina in bowls and ladling hot broth over it. Garnish with grated Parmigiano.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg