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This Italian Wedding Soup is a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. Bite-sized meatballs, tender acini de pepe pasta, and bright, fresh spinach are enveloped in a rich chicken broth, creating a dish that’s as nourishing as it is comforting.
Perfect for any occasion, this soup embodies the warmth and heartiness of Italian cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weekday meal, Italian Wedding Soup will bring a touch of homey elegance to your table.
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Full Recipe:
- Meatballs
- 8 oz lean ground beef
- 8 oz ground pork
- 1/2 cup fresh hearty white bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 tsp minced fresh oregano
- 1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (for browning)
- Soup
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups diced carrots (1/4-inch dice)
- 1 1/4 cups diced yellow onion
- 3/4 cup diced celery (1/4-inch dice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup dry acini de pepe or orzo pasta
- 6 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- Finely shredded parmesan, for garnish
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, bread crumbs, parsley, oregano, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and shape into small meatballs, about 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown half the meatballs on 2-3 sides, about 4 minutes total. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the remaining meatballs.
- In a large pot, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots, onions, and celery; sauté until softened, about 6-8 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute longer.
- Pour in chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add pasta and meatballs to the soup, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach in the last minute of cooking.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded parmesan.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
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Kcal: 396 | Servings: 6
Italian Wedding Soup: A Timeless Comfort Food with Italian Flair
Italian Wedding Soup is a dish that seamlessly marries simplicity, flavor, and tradition. Despite its name, the soup isn’t tied to weddings but rather to the “marriage” of flavors between the rich meatballs and vibrant greens. This iconic dish has become a household favorite worldwide, cherished for its heartwarming qualities and nutritional benefits.
A Culinary Heritage Rooted in Italy
Though its exact origins remain a mystery, Italian Wedding Soup is believed to have roots in Southern Italy, where hearty soups were a staple of peasant cooking. The term “wedding” is a translation of the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” which refers to the perfect blend of flavors, not an actual matrimonial event. Over time, this dish gained popularity across Italy and beyond, especially in the United States, where Italian immigrants introduced their beloved family recipes.
In traditional versions, the soup was made with simple, locally available ingredients, including leafy greens, small pasta, and meat. Today, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of greens like spinach, escarole, or kale, alongside tiny pasta such as acini de pepe or orzo, creating a satisfying and versatile meal.
The Hallmarks of a Great Italian Wedding Soup
- Tender Meatballs: The soul of Italian Wedding Soup lies in its meatballs. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, fresh breadcrumbs, and aromatic herbs like parsley and oregano, the meatballs bring a rich, savory depth to the dish. Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the broth enhances their flavor, giving them a satisfying texture.
- Hearty Greens and Pasta: The leafy greens and delicate pasta create a balance of textures and flavors. Spinach is the most common choice for its quick cooking time and subtle flavor, but other greens like kale or escarole are excellent substitutes. The pasta, typically acini de pepe or orzo, adds a delightful bite to the soup.
- Rich Broth: The base of the soup, often made with chicken broth, ties the elements together. The broth absorbs the flavors of the meatballs and vegetables, resulting in a deeply satisfying and aromatic experience.
Why Italian Wedding Soup Is So Popular
Italian Wedding Soup has garnered a reputation as a quintessential comfort food for several reasons:
- Nutritional Benefits: This soup is a well-rounded meal in a bowl. The protein from the meatballs, the fiber and vitamins from the greens, and the carbohydrates from the pasta make it a nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.
- Customizable Ingredients: Whether you’re looking to add a personal twist or work with what you have on hand, the recipe is highly adaptable. Substituting different greens, trying alternative meats like turkey or chicken, or even incorporating gluten-free pasta ensures the soup can cater to various dietary preferences.
- Ease of Preparation: While the recipe involves a few steps, it’s straightforward and perfect for home cooks of any skill level. Preparing the meatballs, sautéing the vegetables, and simmering everything together makes it a rewarding dish to cook.
- Freezer-Friendly: Italian Wedding Soup is an ideal make-ahead meal. It freezes well, allowing you to store leftovers for busy days. Simply reheat and enjoy a wholesome, homemade dish without the hassle of cooking from scratch.
Perfect Occasions for Italian Wedding Soup
This soup is incredibly versatile and fits various occasions, from casual family dinners to special gatherings:
- Weeknight Comfort: After a long day, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm Italian Wedding Soup. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy to prepare in advance.
- Holiday Feasts: Serve this soup as a starter during festive celebrations. Its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it a standout addition to any holiday menu.
- Potluck Favorite: Italian Wedding Soup travels well and is sure to impress at potluck events. Pair it with freshly baked bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Italian Wedding Soup
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, oregano, and garlic elevate the flavor profile, giving the soup an authentic Italian taste.
- Choose Quality Parmesan: Finishing the soup with finely grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty element that enhances every bite.
- Cook the Pasta Separately: If you’re planning to store leftovers, cooking the pasta separately prevents it from becoming too soft when reheated.
- Brown the Meatballs: Taking the extra step to sear the meatballs adds a caramelized layer of flavor that can’t be achieved by simply simmering them in the broth.
- Add Greens Last: To preserve the vibrant color and tender texture of the greens, stir them in during the final minutes of cooking.
Pairing Suggestions
Italian Wedding Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up the rich broth. A light side salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s hearty flavors, while a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio enhances the overall dining experience.
Conclusion: A Soup That Brings Comfort and Joy
Italian Wedding Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of comfort, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. Whether you’re cooking it for the first time or perfecting a family recipe, this dish promises to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table. Its timeless appeal lies in the simplicity of its ingredients and the depth of its flavors, making it a recipe worth cherishing for years to come.
Invite a bit of Italy into your home with a steaming bowl of Italian Wedding Soup, and let it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. With every spoonful, you’ll savor the harmony of flavors that make this dish a true classic.
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Italian Wedding Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
This Italian Wedding Soup is a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. Bite-sized meatballs, tender acini de pepe pasta, and bright, fresh spinach are enveloped in a rich chicken broth, creating a dish that’s as nourishing as it is comforting.
Perfect for any occasion, this soup embodies the warmth and heartiness of Italian cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weekday meal, Italian Wedding Soup will bring a touch of homey elegance to your table.
Ingredients
- Meatballs
- 8 oz lean ground beef
- 8 oz ground pork
- 1/2 cup fresh hearty white bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 tsp minced fresh oregano
- 1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (for browning)
- Soup
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups diced carrots (1/4-inch dice)
- 1 1/4 cups diced yellow onion
- 3/4 cup diced celery (1/4-inch dice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup dry acini de pepe or orzo pasta
- 6 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- Finely shredded parmesan, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, bread crumbs, parsley, oregano, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and shape into small meatballs, about 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown half the meatballs on 2-3 sides, about 4 minutes total. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the remaining meatballs.
- In a large pot, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots, onions, and celery; sauté until softened, about 6-8 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute longer.
- Pour in chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add pasta and meatballs to the soup, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach in the last minute of cooking.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded parmesan.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes