Italian Wedding Soup
Introduction
Italian Wedding Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that blends tender meatballs, fresh greens, and delicious broth. Although the name suggests a connection to weddings, this soup is a beloved staple in Italian-American cuisine, perfect for any occasion. Traditionally made with small pasta and flavorful vegetables, this soup is not only delicious but also nourishing, making it an ideal family meal during colder months.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Ground beef – 1 pound
– Ground pork – 1 pound
– Breadcrumbs – 1 cup
– Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup
– Fresh parsley – 1/4 cup, chopped
– Egg – 1 large
– Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
– Onion – 1 medium, chopped
– Carrots – 2 medium, diced
– Celery – 2 stalks, diced
– Chicken broth – 8 cups
– Fresh spinach – 6 ounces
– Small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo) – 1 cup
– Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
– Salt – to taste
– Pepper – to taste
Prep Time
The preparation time for Italian Wedding Soup is about 20 minutes. This involves mixing the meatball ingredients and chopping the vegetables before starting the cooking process.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cooking time for this soup is approximately 40 minutes. Therefore, the total time to prepare and cook Italian Wedding Soup is around 1 hour. This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it perfect for a family gathering or meal prep for the week ahead.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs
In a large pot, add olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides. Remove the cooked meatballs from the pot and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add the Meatballs and Spinach
Return the cooked meatballs to the pot, followed by the fresh spinach. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
Season the Soup
Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve the Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Meatball Variations
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs.
Broth Choices
Using homemade chicken broth can enhance the flavors of the soup significantly.
Freezing Instructions
This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for freezing.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days.
Cook techniques
Making the Meatballs
To create tender and flavorful meatballs, combine ground beef and Italian sausage with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and seasonings. Mix gently, form small balls, and bake them until cooked through.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened. This step enhances the soup’s base flavor and adds richness to the dish.
Simmering the Broth
Use a flavorful broth, such as chicken or vegetable, and bring it to a gentle simmer with the sautéed vegetables. Adding herbs like thyme and bay leaves will further deepen the flavor profile.
Cooking the Greens
Add fresh greens, such as spinach or kale, during the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps the greens vibrant and adds nutritional value.
Combining Components
Once the meatballs and broth are ready, gently add the meatballs to the soup and let them cook together for a short time. This allows the flavors to meld.
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
Yes, you can substitute frozen meatballs for homemade. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.
What type of greens can I use?
You can use spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, depending on your preference and availability.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth and replace the meatballs with a vegetarian option, such as lentil or veggie meatballs.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
The Italian wedding soup is a delightful and hearty dish that perfectly combines the flavors of tender meatballs, fresh greens, and a flavorful broth. It’s an ideal meal for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, bringing warmth and comfort to any table. With its rich ingredients and wholesome goodness, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Wedding Soup
Swap out the meatballs for a variety of seasonal vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and green beans, making a lighter and vegetarian-friendly version.
Chicken and Rice Soup
Replace the meatballs with diced chicken and add rice for a heartier texture, perfect for those looking for a different take on the classic.
Spinach and Quinoa Soup
Incorporate quinoa and extra spinach into the soup for added protein and a nutritious boost, making it a great option for health-conscious eaters.
Meatball Sub Soup
Transform the soup experience by adding small pieces of bread topped with melted cheese, creating a meatball sub-inspired version of the dish.
Italian Sausage and Kale Soup
Use Italian sausage instead of meatballs and include kale for a robust flavor and additional nutrition, giving the soup a savory twist.
Pasta Fagioli Soup
Blend elements of both Italian wedding soup and pasta fagioli by adding small pasta shapes and beans to the mix, making a filling and satisfying meal.
