Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Italian Wedding Soup is a beloved classic, featuring a rich and savory broth filled with meatballs, vegetables, and pasta. This soup combines flavors and textures that are hearty yet refined, making it a perfect dish for any occasion, from a simple family dinner to a festive gathering. The name "wedding soup" comes from the Italian phrase "minestra maritata," which refers to the marriage of flavors between the greens and the meat. Below, we'll guide you through the steps to create this comforting and delicious soup, including the ingredients needed, preparation steps, cooking notes, serving suggestions, tips, and nutritional information.

Ingredients

 

For the Meatballs:

• ½ pound ground beef
• ½ pound ground pork
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup milk
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• ½ cup diced onion
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Soup:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 4-5 cups fresh spinach
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 32 oz chicken broth
• 16 oz water
• 1 cup dried acini de Pepe pasta, or other small pasta
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

 

Preparation

 

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. Combine the meats: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef and ground pork.
2. Add flavors: To the meat, add eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, diced onion, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. Set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base

1. Sauté vegetables: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and diced carrots, sautéing until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add broth: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs and Pasta

1. Add meatballs: Gently add the prepared meatballs to the simmering broth. Let them cook without stirring for the first few minutes to prevent breaking.
2. Cook pasta: Add the acini de Pepe pasta (or your choice of small pasta) to the soup. Continue to simmer until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
3. Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and Italian seasoning, cooking just until the spinach is wilted. Adjust the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

 

Cooking Note:

Be gentle when stirring the soup after adding the meatballs to avoid breaking them. The meatballs will cook thoroughly in the broth, absorbing the flavors while also adding richness to the soup.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Italian Wedding Soup hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A side of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the broth.

Tips:

• For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider adding a variety of beans and more vegetables in place of the meatballs.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb the broth, so you may need to add more broth when reheating.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the size and ingredients.
• Protein: Roughly 20g per serving.
• Sodium: Approximately 900mg per serving, but this can vary based on the broth used and additional salt added.

Conclusion

Italian Wedding Soup is a timeless dish that offers a comforting and satisfying meal. Its combination of tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and pasta in a savory broth makes it a favorite among many. This soup embodies the essence of Italian cooking, where simple ingredients are transformed into a dish with deep flavors and rich textures. Whether you're seeking warmth on a cold day or a light yet fulfilling meal, Italian Wedding Soup is sure to please.