Description
This Italian Penicillin Soup is a light, nourishing, and healing recipe perfect for when you’re under the weather or just want something cozy. Made without pasta or meat, it combines garlic, onions, lemon, white beans, and greens in a soothing broth that supports immunity and digestion. Comforting yet clean, this Mediterranean spin on the classic “penicillin soup” is easy, quick, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
- Salt, to taste
- Optional toppings: fresh parsley, grated parmesan (optional), crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery and sauté 5–7 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to release aroma.
- Zest and juice the lemon into the pot. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in white beans and let simmer 10–15 minutes so flavors combine.
- Add spinach or kale just before serving so greens wilt but remain bright.
- Taste and adjust salt. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley, parmesan, or extra chili flakes if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and lemon for the best healing benefits and flavor.
- Let beans simmer in broth for depth of flavor.
- Add greens at the very end to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust salt at the end, since broth and canned beans may already contain sodium.
- Optional: blend a portion of beans for creamier texture without cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soups, Healing Recipes, Vegetarian, Vegan Options, Mediterranean
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Italian Penicillin Soup, Healing Soup, No Pasta Soup, Vegetarian Soup, Vegan Soup, Immune Boosting Recipes