This Easy Pastina Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms your soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The unique feature of this recipe is that it cleverly hides vegetables by blending them into a smooth broth, making it ideal for picky eaters. Serve it as a main course or enjoy it as a light dinner; it’s versatile enough for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Healing: This soup provides warmth and nourishment, perfect for cozy nights.
• Hidden Veggies: Blending the vegetables makes it perfect for those who dislike their texture.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can whip this up in just 50 minutes.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can swap out pastina with other small pasta shapes based on your preference.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins from the vegetables, this soup is a healthy choice.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather the essential tools before you begin. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Blender
• Slotted spoon
• Small pot

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for simmering the broth and cooking all the veggies together.
• Blender: This tool allows you to create a smooth soup base that conceals the vegetables effectively.
• Slotted spoon: Ideal for transferring cooked veggies to the blender without adding excess liquid.

this recipe

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 Soup

• 1 cup pastina, boiled (any small pasta shape such as orzo, little stars, or tiny macaroni noodles)
• Parmigiano, for garnish

How to Make Easy Pastina Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

1. Fill a large pot with the water (or ½ water and ½ organic unsalted vegetable broth) and heat over high heat.
2. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Season with salt.
3. Bring the contents to a boil.

Step 2: Simmer the Vegetables

1. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low.
2. Semi-cover the pot with a lid and let cook for 45 minutes until veggies are soft.
3. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt if necessary.

Step 3: Blend the Soup Base

1. Using a slotted spoon, transfer all vegetables to a blender along with 2 ladles full of broth.
2. Blend until smooth—this should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Return this blended mixture back to the pot of broth and stir.

Step 4: Cook the Pastina

1. Meanwhile, boil any chosen pastina in a small pot of salted water according to package instructions.

Step 5: Serve Your Soup

1. In each bowl, add a ladle of cooked pastina at the bottom.
2. Pour hot broth over it and dust with some parmigiano cheese before serving.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Easy Pastina Soup, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Easy Pastina Soup

Serving Easy Pastina Soup can elevate your dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. This comforting soup is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments that can enhance its flavors.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of freshness.

Include Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Breadsticks: Crispy breadsticks make for a delightful crunch with each spoonful.

Incorporate Protein

• Grilled Chicken: Add sliced grilled chicken on top for a heartier meal.
• Tofu Cubes: For a plant-based option, toss in some cubed tofu for added protein.

Top with Cheese

• Parmesan Shavings: A few shavings of parmesan cheese can add a nutty flavor that complements the soup perfectly.

How to Perfect Easy Pastina Soup

Perfecting your Easy Pastina Soup involves paying attention to detail in preparation and seasoning. Here are some helpful tips for achieving the best results.

• Use High-Quality Broth: The flavor of your soup largely depends on the broth. Opt for organic unsalted vegetable broth for enhanced taste.
• Blend Thoroughly: Ensure that you blend the vegetables until completely smooth to create a velvety texture in the soup.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Start with less salt and adjust as needed after tasting. This prevents over-seasoning.
• Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking pastina separately helps maintain its shape and prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Pastina Soup

Pairing Easy Pastina Soup with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a refreshing contrast.
2. Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with seasonal greens, tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to cleanse the palate.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful bell peppers stuffed with quinoa and vegetables for a hearty accompaniment.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection add depth and nutrition to your meal.
5. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits filled with cheese and garlic offer a delightful pairing with the soup’s flavors.
6. Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Lightly fried zucchini fritters provide a crunchy texture that complements the smoothness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Pastina Soup is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt can lead to bland soup. Start with ½ tablespoon and adjust as you taste.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the veggies too long can make them mushy. Aim for super soft, but not falling apart.
• Neglecting to blend properly: If the mixture isn’t blended until smooth, the soup may have an unappealing texture. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes to achieve creaminess.
• Using cold pastina: Adding cold pasta can cool down your soup. Ensure pastina is hot before mixing it into the broth.
• Not tasting before serving: Failing to taste your soup before serving might mean missing out on flavor adjustments that enhance the dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Easy Pastina Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container for expansion.

Reheating Easy Pastina Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Easy Pastina Soup.

How do I make Easy Pastina Soup healthier?

You can use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water or add more veggies like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition.

Can I customize Easy Pastina Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices like thyme or basil for extra flavor.

What type of pastina should I use?

Any small pasta shape works well, such as orzo, little stars, or tiny macaroni noodles. Choose one that you enjoy!

How long does Easy Pastina Soup last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to 3 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Is Easy Pastina Soup suitable for kids?

Yes! It’s a great option for picky eaters since the blended veggies are hidden, making it appealing and nutritious.

Final Thoughts

Easy Pastina Soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any day. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different vegetables and seasonings. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm bowl of Italian goodness tailored just for you!

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Easy Pastina Soup

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in the warmth of Easy Pastina Soup, a delightful dish that combines comforting flavors with hidden nutrition. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little extra care. With its smooth, blended vegetable broth, it expertly conceals nutritious ingredients, making it an ideal choice for picky eaters. Plus, it’s quick and simple to prepare, allowing you to whip up a hearty meal in no time. Enjoy a bowl as a light dinner or alongside your favorite sides for a fulfilling meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 any small pasta shape)
• Parmigiano cheese (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring water or broth to a boil. Add onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and salt.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 45 minutes until vegetables are soft.
3. Transfer veggies to a blender with some broth and blend until smooth.
4. Return the blended mixture to the pot and stir well.
5. Cook pastina separately according to package instructions.
6. Serve soup by adding cooked pastina to bowls and ladling hot broth over it, garnished with Parmigiano.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option. Customize the soup with fresh herbs or spices like thyme for additional flavor.