Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting and hearty soup that typically features meatballs, vegetables, and greens in a flavorful broth. Here’s a recipe for you to make Italian Wedding Soup at home:
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (such as acini di pepe or orzo)
- 4 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
a. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper.
b. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
a. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
b. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove them from the pot and set aside.
3. Prepare the Soup Base:
a. In the same pot, add chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
b. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
c. Add dried oregano, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Cook the Pasta and Greens:
a. Add the small pasta to the soup and cook according to the package instructions.
b. Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
5. Combine Meatballs and Soup:
a. Return the cooked meatballs to the pot and let them heat through.
6. Serve:
a. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
b. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
Italian Wedding Soup is ready to be served! Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for chilly days or any time you’re in the mood for a delicious soup.