Italian Wedding Soup is a warm and cozy dish that combines tiny meatballs, fresh greens, and tasty broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl on chilly days!
Who can resist those little meatballs? They’re so cute! I like to throw in some crusty bread for dipping—perfect for a fun dinner with family or friends. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef & Pork: These provide great flavor and texture. You can use all beef or all pork if preferred, or even ground turkey for a leaner option.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add flavor. If you don’t have them, plain breadcrumbs with a sprinkle of Italian herbs work well too.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness! If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute, or you can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Pasta: Small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or orzo are perfect here. You can swap these for any small pasta you have on hand, even broken spaghetti!
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the soup a vibrant color. Kale or Swiss chard can also work if you prefer a heartier green.
How Do I Make Meatballs That Don’t Fall Apart?
Making firm meatballs is vital for a delicious soup. Here are some tips:
- **Don’t overmix**: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- **Chill the mixture**: Letting the meatballs rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes helps them hold their shape better when cooking.
- **Gentle handling**: Use a light touch when forming the balls—this keeps them tender.
- **Cook in broth**: Adding meatballs directly to simmering broth helps them cook evenly without falling apart.
These tips will ensure your meatballs are perfect for the soup!
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup:
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (acini di pepe or orzo)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Italian wedding soup will take about 30 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking, bringing the total time to about 50 minutes. It’s a perfect dish for a family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to blend them until everything is well combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Take small amounts of the mixture and form them into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a tray and set aside while you work on the soup.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender and fragrant.
4. Make the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat to bring it to a boil. This is the foundation of your soup—so flavorful!
5. Cook the Meatballs:
Once the broth is boiling, gently add the meatballs one by one. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let them cook for about 10 minutes. This will help them cook through safely.
6. Add the Pasta:
Add the small pasta to the pot and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is tender and cooked to your liking.
7. Add the Spinach:
Stir in the chopped spinach and let it cook for about 2 minutes, or until it’s wilted and bright green.
8. Season the Soup:
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot in bowls, and don’t forget to sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your comforting Italian wedding soup with some crusty bread on the side!
This hearty dish is not only delicious but also perfect for any occasion. Enjoy! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs Instead of Making My Own?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs for convenience! Just add them to the soup during the simmering stage, and cook until they are heated through. Keep in mind that the flavor may not be as rich as freshly made meatballs.
How to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover Italian wedding soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the meat with vegetarian meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables, like carrots and peas, to enhance flavor and texture.
What Other Greens Can I Use Besides Spinach?
If you don’t have spinach, feel free to use kale or Swiss chard. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they wilt perfectly.
