Italian wedding soup is a classic dish that combines savory meatballs, tender vegetables, and hearty greens in a flavorful broth. Despite its name, the soup is not typically served at weddings but is instead a comforting and satisfying dish enjoyed year-round. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Italian wedding soup from scratch, including how to make homemade meatballs and a delicious broth that will warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients for Italian Wedding Soup:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chopped spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup small pasta (such as orzo or acini di pepe)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup:
- Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Brown the Meatballs:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Add the dried basil, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Return the meatballs to the pot and add the chopped spinach or kale. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add the Pasta:
- Stir in the pasta and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
About the Main Ingredients:
Ground Beef: Ground beef is used to make the meatballs in Italian wedding soup. It provides a savory flavor and hearty texture to the dish.
Spinach or Kale: These leafy greens add color, texture, and nutritional value to the soup. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to the dish.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth forms the base of the soup, providing a rich and flavorful liquid for the meatballs and vegetables to simmer in. You can use store-bought or homemade chicken broth for this recipe.
Italian wedding soup is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its savory meatballs, tender vegetables, and hearty broth, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it as a starter or as a main course with some crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
