Italian Wedding Soup is one of those cozy dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Imagine tender meatballs swimming in a savory broth, mingling with vibrant greens and tiny pasta—each spoonful bursts with flavor that dances on your taste buds. It’s like a culinary love story where every ingredient plays its part beautifully.
This soup isn’t just for weddings, despite the name; it’s perfect for family gatherings, rainy days, or when you want to impress your guests without breaking a sweat. I remember the first time I made this dish; my kitchen smelled so good that my neighbor knocked on the door, thinking I was hosting a five-star restaurant. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t! Just imagine serving this delightful soup at your next dinner party and watching everyone come back for seconds—talk about a recipe win!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Italian Wedding Soup is easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor
- The combination of tender meatballs and fresh greens creates a delicious medley that’s visually stunning
- You can customize the ingredients based on what you have, ensuring versatility for all occasions
- It’s like having a comforting bowl of joy ready whenever you need it!
Ingredients for Italian Wedding Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for juicy meatballs that won’t make your soup greasy.
Italian Sausage: A mix of sweet and spicy sausage adds depth to the flavor profile.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together while adding texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese will elevate the umami flavors in your soup.
Spinach or Escarole: Use fresh greens for added nutrients and vibrant color in your dish.
Carrots: Diced carrots provide sweetness and crunch that balances the savory meatballs.
Pasta (Acini di Pepe or Orzo): Tiny pasta shapes are traditional and fun to eat in soup form.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while still enhancing flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and an egg. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it unless you want tough meatballs!
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper while you heat up your broth.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, gently add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides—about five minutes. Remove them from the pot and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in diced onions and carrots. Sauté until they become tender—around three to four minutes should do it! Add minced garlic during the last minute for that aromatic punch.
Step 5: Add Broth and Greens
Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add your cooked meatballs back into the pot along with spinach or escarole. Let everything simmer together for about ten minutes so those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Stir in your chosen pasta shape and cook according to package instructions—usually around eight minutes more. Taste for seasoning before serving!
Transfer to bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese if you dare—it’s worth it! Enjoy this heartwarming Italian Wedding Soup with crusty bread or as an irresistible starter at your next gathering.
Now you’ve got yourself a soul-soothing dish that’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy it!
You Must Know
- This delightful Italian Wedding Soup offers warmth and comfort, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights
- Packed with flavor, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste buds
- A bowl of this soup is like a hug in a dish!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meatballs for that satisfying crunch, then cook the veggies while simmering the broth. Lastly, add pasta just before serving to keep it al dente and delicious.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or use different herbs like thyme or basil. Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness or toss in some cannellini beans for extra protein.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to revive the flavors.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly juicy meatballs, use equal parts beef and pork
- Don’t skip sautéing your vegetables first; it builds flavor!
- Always taste your broth before serving; seasoning can make all the difference
I once made Italian Wedding Soup for a family gathering, and my cousin declared it “the best soup ever!” Now, every holiday feels incomplete without this comforting dish gracing our table.
FAQs:
What ingredients are needed for Italian Wedding Soup?
To make a delicious Italian Wedding Soup, you will need key ingredients such as meatballs (usually made from ground beef or pork), fresh spinach or escarole, carrots, onions, and garlic. Additionally, you’ll require chicken broth to create a rich base. For the flavor profile, include herbs like parsley and thyme. Don’t forget the pasta; small shapes like acini di pepe or orzo work wonderfully. To enhance the soup’s taste, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese before serving. These ingredients come together to create a comforting dish that embodies traditional Italian flavors.
How long does it take to prepare Italian Wedding Soup?
Preparing Italian Wedding Soup typically takes about 30 minutes for prep and an additional 30 minutes of cooking time. The meatballs can be prepared in advance to save time. Once you have all your ingredients ready, start by sautéing the vegetables and then adding the broth. After bringing it to a boil, add the meatballs and pasta. Simmer until everything is cooked through and flavorful. Overall, you can enjoy this hearty soup in just about an hour from start to finish.
Can I make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply cook the soup as per your recipe and let it cool down before refrigerating it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, reheat on the stove until warmed through. However, if you’re using pasta, consider cooking it separately and adding it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy during storage.
Is Italian Wedding Soup healthy?
Italian Wedding Soup is generally considered a healthy option due to its wholesome ingredients. It is packed with vitamins from leafy greens like spinach or escarole and provides protein from the meatballs. You can also make it lighter by using lean ground meat and low-sodium broth. The addition of vegetables adds fiber and nutrients without excessive calories. Overall, enjoying this comforting soup can contribute positively to a balanced diet while satisfying your taste buds.
Conclusion for Italian Wedding Soup:
In conclusion, Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that showcases traditional Italian cuisine. This hearty dish combines savory meatballs with fresh greens and tender pasta in a rich broth. Whether enjoyed on a cold day or as part of a special gathering, this soup brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal table. Remember that preparing this dish in advance enhances its flavor while allowing for easy reheating later. With its nutritious ingredients and ease of preparation, Italian Wedding Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Italian Wedding Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Italian Wedding Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and tiny pasta in a savory chicken broth. This comforting soup is perfect for family gatherings or chilly evenings, offering a delightful burst of flavors in every spoonful. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach or escarole
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup acini di pepe or orzo pasta
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove from the pot.
- In the same pot, sauté onions and carrots until tender (3-4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the meatballs and greens; simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8 minutes). Adjust seasoning before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
