Vegan Pastina Soup is a light and cozy soup that features tiny pasta (pastina) in a flavorful vegetable broth. It’s an easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a bowl of comfort. The soup is made with basic ingredients like garlic, carrots, celery, and onions, making it full of flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or water for a lighter version)
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1/2 cup pastina (or any small pasta)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the vegetables:
    • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
    • Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
  2. Add seasonings and broth:
    • Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, and add the bay leaf. Stir to combine the flavors.
    • Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir well, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
  3. Cook the pastina:
    • Add the pastina to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. If the soup becomes too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to adjust the consistency.
  4. Season the soup:
    • Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Serve:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal!

Nutrition (per serving, approximate):

  • Calories: 180-220 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 35-40g
  • Protein: 5-6g
  • Fat: 6-8g (from the olive oil)
  • Fiber: 4-5g
  • Sodium: 500-700mg (depending on the broth used)

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion size.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Comforting & Light: This soup is perfect for when you want something light but satisfying.
  • Quick & Easy: Made with basic ingredients and takes about 30 minutes to prepare.
  • Full of Flavor: The combination of vegetables, herbs, and the pastina creates a savory, comforting bowl of soup.
  • Customizable: You can add extra veggies, beans, or greens to make the soup heartier, or use any small pasta you have on hand.