Italian Wedding Soup Delightful and Hearty Recipe

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Prep 20 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Servings 4-6 servings
Italian Wedding Soup Delightful and Hearty Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, we’re diving into the warmth of Italian Wedding Soup. This delightful and hearty dish blends tender meatballs, fresh greens, and rich broth. You’ll learn how to make it step by step, from mixing the meat to perfecting your broth. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy dinner or gathering with friends, this recipe promises comfort in every bowl. Let’s get started on this tasty journey!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Comforting Flavor: This soup combines savory meatballs, fresh veggies, and hearty pasta, creating a warm, inviting bowl that feels like a hug on a chilly day.
  2. Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, even novice cooks can whip up this delicious dish without any fuss.
  3. Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and wholesome broth, this soup is both satisfying and healthy.
  4. Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, spices, or even swap out the meat for a vegetarian option to make it your own!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is rich and warm. It has a mix of meat, veggies, and pasta. Here are the main ingredients you will need:

- 1/2 pound ground beef

- 1/2 pound ground turkey

- 1/4 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1 large egg

- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 6 cups chicken broth

- 1 cup carrots, diced finely

- 1 cup celery, diced finely

- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

- 1 cup ditalini pasta

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- Olive oil for drizzling

These ingredients come together to create a tasty meal that warms the soul.

Essential Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices give the soup its unique taste. Here are the key players:

- Fresh parsley adds brightness.

- Garlic powder gives depth.

- Dried oregano brings warmth.

- Salt and pepper enhance all flavors.

These herbs and spices work together to make each spoonful special.

Optional Add-ins and Substitutions

You can tweak this recipe to fit your taste. Here are some ideas:

- Swap ground turkey for chicken or pork.

- Use veggie broth for a lighter version.

- Add beans for extra protein and fiber.

- Mix in other greens like kale or Swiss chard.

Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! Each change can give the soup a new twist.

Ingredient Image 2

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Meatball Mixture

To make the meatballs, start with a large bowl. Add 1/2 pound of ground beef and 1/2 pound of ground turkey. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of Italian-style breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Crack in 1 large egg for binding. Chop 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley and add it in. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands or a fork to mix until everything is combined well.

Shaping and Browning the Meatballs

Next, wash your hands and shape the mixture into small balls. Aim for each meatball to be about 1 inch in size. Place the meatballs on a plate, making sure they do not touch. This helps to stop them from sticking together. Now heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Brown them on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes. They only need to get golden brown; they will cook more in the soup. Remove them from the pot and set them aside.

Cooking the Vegetables and Adding Broth

In the same pot, add 1 cup of diced carrots and 1 cup of diced celery. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. Stir often until they soften a bit. Next, pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and add extra salt and pepper if you want. Stir everything well and bring it to a strong boil. When it boils, add 1 cup of ditalini pasta. Cook this for about 7 to 8 minutes until the pasta is al dente. After that, gently add the browned meatballs back into the pot along with 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes. This will finish cooking the meatballs and wilt the spinach nicely.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Meatballs

To make great meatballs, combine ground beef and turkey. This blend gives a tasty flavor. Use fresh ingredients like parsley and garlic powder. They boost the taste. Mix everything well. Your hands work best for this! Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch wide. Keep them spaced on a plate so they do not stick together. Browning the meatballs adds a nice crust. This step is key for flavor.

Best Practices for Cooking Pasta

When adding pasta, use ditalini for the perfect bite. Add it to the boiling broth after cooking the veggies. Stir gently to avoid sticking. Follow the package time for al dente pasta, usually 7-8 minutes. This ensures the pasta stays firm and tasty. If you cook it too long, it can become mushy.

Adjusting Seasoning to Taste

Taste your soup before serving. This is when you can make it perfect! Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Remember, flavors can change as the soup simmers. Adding fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil at the end gives a nice touch. Experiment to find the flavor you love!

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley can elevate the flavor of your meatballs and soup. Consider adding basil or thyme for an extra aromatic touch.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook slightly in the soup after being added, aim for al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  3. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or green beans for added nutrition and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  4. Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day!

Variations

Different Meat Options

You can change the meats in Italian wedding soup. Try using just ground beef or turkey. You can also mix in some ground pork for extra flavor. If you prefer, use chicken sausage or even lamb. Each meat brings its own taste, making the soup unique each time.

Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives

If you want a meat-free version, there are great options. You can make veggie meatballs using lentils or chickpeas. Combine these with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices for flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a creamy touch, add some cashew cream or coconut milk.

Changing Up the Greens

While spinach is classic, you can use other greens. Fresh kale or Swiss chard work well too. You can even add a mix of greens for more texture. Just remember to add them near the end of cooking. This keeps their color bright and flavor fresh.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftover Italian wedding soup, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to take out any leftover meatballs if you plan to keep it longer. They can become too soft.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat your soup on the stove over medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If it seems thick, add a bit of water or broth. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals. Stir between each interval for even warming.

Freezing for Future Meals

You can freeze Italian wedding soup for later. Just be aware that the pasta might soften. To freeze, let the soup cool and pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It stays good for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What is Italian Wedding Soup?

Italian Wedding Soup is a warm, hearty dish. It features small meatballs, vegetables, and pasta. The broth is rich and flavorful. This soup combines ground beef and turkey for a tasty mix. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. The term "wedding" does not refer to weddings. It comes from the blend of flavors that marry well together.

Can I make Italian Wedding Soup in advance?

Yes, you can make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day. To do this, prepare the soup and let it cool. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove.

What are the traditional occasions for serving Italian Wedding Soup?

People often serve Italian Wedding Soup at family gatherings. It is popular during holidays and special events. The soup is comforting and brings everyone together. Many enjoy it during winter for its warmth and heartiness. It is also a great dish for potlucks and celebrations.

Italian Wedding Soup is a tasty and fun dish to make. We've covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to make it great. You can even try different meats or go plant-based. Don't forget about how to store leftovers or freeze portions for later.

Now, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy this warming soup!

Cozy Italian Wedding Soup

Cozy Italian Wedding Soup

A comforting soup featuring meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth.

20 min prep
20 min cook
4-6 servings
estimated calories per serving cal

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground turkey, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

  2. 2

    With clean hands, take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a plate, making sure they are set apart from each other to prevent sticking.

  3. 3

    Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs in a single layer and sear them until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. They don't need to be cooked through at this point, as they'll finish cooking in the soup. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside on a plate.

  4. 4

    In the same pot, add the diced carrots and celery. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened slightly.

  5. 5

    Pour the chicken broth into the pot, then sprinkle in the dried oregano and add additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.

  6. 6

    When the broth reaches a boil, add the ditalini pasta and bring it back to a boil. Allow the pasta to cook for about 7-8 minutes, or until it achieves an al dente texture.

  7. 7

    Gently return the browned meatballs to the pot along with the chopped spinach. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the spinach has wilted pleasantly.

  8. 8

    After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to enhance the flavor.

  9. 9

    Using a ladle, pour the soup into warm bowls and, if you desire, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for extra richness.

Chef's Notes

For a comforting presentation, serve the soup in rustic or oversized bowls. Finish with a generous sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and an additional scattering of fresh parsley.

Course: Main Course Cuisine: Italian