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This simple bowl of pastina brings back the warmest memories of my Italian grandmother's kitchen! When anyone in our family felt under the weather, she'd whip up this comforting soup, and somehow we'd feel better after the very first spoonful. Now I make it for my own kids, and that same magic still works. Just last week when my daughter had a cold, she curled up with a bowl of this and said it felt like a warm hug from the inside.
The Comfort of Pastina
This isn't just any soup it's Italian penicillin! The tiny stars of pasta swimming in rich broth create something so soothing and gentle. My friend Sarah called me last month asking for the recipe when her little ones were feeling poorly. Now she makes it regularly, even on healthy days, because her kids love those cute little pasta shapes so much. There's something about this simple combination that just makes everything feel right.
Simple Ingredients
- The Base:
- Tiny star pastina
- Rich chicken broth
- Sweet butter
- Fresh vegetables
- Good Parmesan
- The Special Touches:
- Golden turmeric
- Fresh parsley
- Bright lemon
- Farm fresh eggs
- Sea salt
Creating Comfort
- Starting the Magic
- Watching those tiny diced vegetables soften in butter fills the kitchen with such a homey smell. It's amazing how just a few simple ingredients can create something so nurturing.
- Adding the Stars
- When those little pasta stars hit the golden broth, they dance and swirl. My kids love watching them disappear and then seeing the soup transform into something creamy and wonderful.
- The Finishing Touch
- That moment when you stir in the egg and it creates silky ribbons through the broth pure kitchen magic! A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look so pretty in the bowl.
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My Little Secrets
Want to know what makes this pastina extra special? I always keep the vegetables cut tiny they should match the size of the pasta stars. A splash of lemon at the end brightens everything up beautifully. And here's my favorite trick let the soup rest for a minute after adding the egg it creates the most gorgeous silky texture!
Serving With Love
I love serving this in my grandmother's old soup bowls with a little extra Parmesan on top. Sometimes I'll add a slice of crusty bread on the side for dunking. The way everyone's face lights up when they take that first spoonful reminds me of being in her kitchen all those years ago.
Quick Comfort
This soup comes together so quickly perfect for those days when you need a bowl of comfort fast! I always keep the ingredients on hand, especially during cold and flu season. It's become my go to recipe when anyone needs a little extra love in a bowl.
Making It Your Own
While this is our traditional version, you can absolutely make it your own! Sometimes I add a handful of spinach for extra nutrition, or use orzo when I can't find pastina. My vegetarian friend makes it with vegetable broth and says it's just as comforting. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and flexibility.
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A Bowl of Love
This pastina recipe is so much more than just soup it's a bowl of comfort passed down through generations. Every time I make it, I think of my grandmother and how she showed her love through simple, nurturing food. Now I get to pass that same feeling on to my own family. It's amazing how something so simple can hold so much meaning and bring such comfort to those we love.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is pastina and why is it called Italian Penicillin?
- Pastina is a tiny star-shaped pasta commonly used in Italian soups. It's called Italian Penicillin because it's traditionally served when someone is feeling under the weather, as it's easy to digest and very comforting.
- → Can I make this recipe without the egg?
- Yes, the egg is completely optional in this recipe. The soup will still be delicious and comforting without it. The egg adds extra richness and protein when used.
- → What can I substitute for pastina?
- If you can't find pastina, you can use any small pasta shape like orzo, stelline, or small shells. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the pasta shape you choose.
- → Why do you add turmeric to this recipe?
- Turmeric adds a lovely golden color to the soup and provides anti-inflammatory properties. It adds minimal flavor but increases the nutritional benefits of the dish.
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- While this soup is best served fresh, you can make it ahead. Keep in mind the pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so you might need to add more broth when reheating.