Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 01, 2025

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Italian Wedding Soup Recipe: A Flavorful Celebration

Italian Wedding Soup, despite its name, is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for any occasion, not just weddings! This hearty soup is packed with flavor, featuring a rich broth, tender meatballs, and delicate vegetables. This recipe will guide you through making an authentic and flavorful Italian Wedding Soup that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields about 6 servings. Adjust quantities as needed for your group.

For the Broth:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Finishing Touches:

• 1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe, ditalini, or tiny egg noodles)
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach (or kale)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions for a Delicious Italian Wedding Soup:

Step 1: Crafting the Flavorful Broth

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Making Perfect Meatballs

1. In a separate bowl, gently combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 3: Simmering and Combining

1. Gently add the meatballs to the simmering broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Stir in the spinach (or kale) during the last 2 minutes of cooking time. The spinach will wilt quickly.

Step 4: Serving Your Masterpiece

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips and Variations for an Even Better Soup:

• For a richer broth: Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or mushrooms.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add some lentils or white beans for extra protein.
• Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs instead of dried will elevate the flavor significantly.

This Italian Wedding Soup recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to make it your own. Enjoy!