I remembеr when my grandma made Pаstina sоup . It was my fav meal as a kid . The little shapes of pasta were so soft and they soaked up the broth . I always felt сozy eating it .
People from Itаly first made pastina . The word pastina means little dough in Italian . Over time it became a go-to meal for sick folks and kids too . It even spread to Jewish kitchens and American homes .
Pastina sоup is easy to make and good for you . It gives you еnеrgy from carbs but it cooks quick and is gentle on your tummy . You can add veggies , chicken or beans if you like . This makes it perfect for a simple dinner or when you need something warm and comfy .
What is Pastina Soup?
Pastina sоup is a warm dish with tiny pasta shapes called pastina . They look like stars , letters or small shells . In Italy they gave it to kids and old people when they were not feeling well . It was a sign of care and love .
Long ago , Italian cooks used these small shapes because they cook fast and fill your belly . Soups with pastina are now in many cultures . In Jewish homes they add matzo balls and onion . In America people use chicken broth or veggies and call it a comfort food classic .
The Origins and Evolution of Pastina Soup
Pastina started in Italy around the 1700s . Cooks wrote about how these small noodles took in all the flavor from broth or sauce . That made soups taste richer .
When pastina traveled beyond Italy , cooks changed it to fit what they had . In Jewish families they mixed it with chicken broth and matzo balls . In the U S , some folks made it creamy with cheese , others put in fresh veggies like zucchini . No matter how you make it , pastina feels like a hug in a bowl .
Nutritional Benefits of Pastina Soup
Pastina sоup is not just tasty ; it's good for you . It has carbs that give slow energy and it's easy on your stomach . That’s why kids and sick people like it .
If you throw in carrots , celery or leafy greens , you boost its vitamins A , C and K . Add protein like chicken or beans and it becomes a full meal .
For folks who cannot eat gluten , there are gluten-free pastina options ; made from rice or other flours . Vegans can use veggie broth and beans for protein . This makes sure almost anyone can enjoy it .
Ingredients for Pastina Soup
To make pastina sоup , you need just a few things :
- Pastina : little pasta shapes (stars , shells or letters)
- Broth : chicken or vegetable broth
- Onion : chopped
- Carrots and Celery : diced
- Garlic : minced
- Herbs : thyme or parsley
- Salt and Pepper : to taste
You can also add :
- Chicken , Beans or Tofu : for protein
- Spinach , Kale or Zucchini : for extra veggies
- Spices : like red pepper flakes
Detailed Recipe for Pastina Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup pastina
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 onion , diced
- 2 carrots , diced
- 2 celery stalks , diced
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Directions
- Heat the broth : Put broth in a big pot over medium heat .
- Sauté veggies : Add onion , carrots and celery ; cook till soft .
- Add garlic and thyme : Stir them in till you smell them .
- Put in pastina : Add pasta and salt ; mix it .
- Let it simmer : Cook for 6-8 minutes till pastina is tender .
- Serve : Taste and fix spices , then top with cheese if you want .
Tips
To stop pastina from getting too soft , add it last . You can throw in kale or spinach too .
Leftovers keep for 3 days in fridge ; reheat with extra broth so it’s not too thick .
Popular Variations of Pastina Soup
- Cheesy : Stir in cheddar or Parmesan for a creamy twist .
- Chicken : Mix shredded chicken for more protein .
- Vegetarian : Use veggie broth and beans for a meatless version .
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Bread : A slice of crusty bread or garlic toast
- Salad : A simple green salad with lemon dressing
- Garnish : Fresh herbs or a bit of lemon zest
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- Too mushy ? Cook pastina less or add it at the end .
- Bland flavor ? Use better broth or add a bay leaf , soy sauce or lemon juice .
FAQs about Pastina Soup
Which broth is best ?
Chicken broth is rich , veggie broth is lighter . Pick what you like .
Can I make it ahead ?
Yes , but cook pasta later so it does not get soggy .
Is it gluten-free ?
Normal pastina has wheat , but you can buy gluten-free kinds .
Can I freeze it ?
You can freeze it without pasta . Then add fresh pasta after thawing .
How long does it last in fridge ?
It stays good for 3 days in a closed container .
Conclusion
Pastina sоup is a simple dish that brings people together . It's warm , easy to make and you can change it any way you want . Give it a try and make some сozy memories around a steaming bowl .
Pastina Soup
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 ladle
- 4 serving bowls
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup pastina (tiny pasta)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 medium celery stalk, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- for serving grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the pastina. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well.
- Remove from heat and let the soup sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
