Italian wedding soup

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork (or all beef)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry pasta (acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or escarole)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs:
   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix well until combined, but avoid overmixing.
   • Form small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the meatballs in batches and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside (they don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage).
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add the Broth:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Cook the Pasta:
   • Add the dry pasta to the simmering soup and cook for 7-8 minutes, or according to the package instructions.
6. Add the Meatballs and Spinach:
   • Return the meatballs to the pot and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the pasta is tender.
   • Stir in the spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the greens are wilted.
7. Season and Serve:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
   • Serve the soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, about 6 servings):

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: ~20g
• Fat: ~18g
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugars: ~4g

This Italian Wedding Soup is a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any occasion, with tender meatballs, fresh greens, and pasta in a savory broth. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal!