Italian Wedding Soup

Crafting the Perfect Homemade Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a timeless classic that has graced many tables for generations. The heartwarming combination of tender homemade meatballs, fresh vegetables, and delicate pasta in a flavorful broth makes this dish a true comfort food. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a weeknight family meal, this soup is sure to satisfy. In this recipe, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of making an exceptional Italian Wedding Soup that features homemade browned meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a light yet savory broth. It’s a hearty, healthy, and flavorful dish that can be prepared in less than an hour.

What Is Italian Wedding Soup?

Italian Wedding Soup is a traditional dish that originated in Italy. Contrary to what the name might suggest, it is not specifically served at weddings, but the term “wedding” refers to the harmonious marriage of ingredients. The soup is made with a rich broth, often from chicken, and filled with little meatballs, vegetables, and pasta. The meatballs are traditionally made from a mixture of ground beef and pork, seasoned with herbs like oregano and parsley, and accompanied by breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for flavor and texture. The soup is finished with a handful of greens like spinach or escarole for added freshness and nutritional value.

The soup’s combination of flavors is what makes it so comforting. The slight acidity of the chicken broth balances out the richness of the meatballs, while the spinach adds a pop of color and a nutritional punch. The soup is both filling and light at the same time, making it ideal for any occasion.

In this recipe, you’ll be preparing everything from scratch, which is key to achieving the perfect soup. You’ll start with the homemade meatballs, then prepare the broth and vegetables, and finally bring it all together with pasta and spinach. So let’s dive into the recipe!

Part 2: Simple Recipe for Italian Wedding Soup

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 8 oz lean ground beef
• 8 oz ground pork
• 1/2 cup fresh white bread crumbs*
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp fresh oregano, minced
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil, for frying

For the Soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/4 cups carrots, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 1/4 cups yellow onion, diced
• 3/4 cup celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 1/2 tbsp)
• 5 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup dry acini de pepe or orzo pasta
• 6 oz fresh spinach, chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the fresh breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced oregano, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients together, ensuring they are evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can lead to tough meatballs.

   Using your hands, form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 3/4 inch to 1 inch in diameter. Once shaped, transfer the meatballs to a plate.

2. Brown the Meatballs:

   Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add half of the meatballs, being careful not to crowd them. Cook the meatballs, turning them occasionally to ensure they are browned on all sides. This should take about 4 minutes. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Repeat with the remaining meatballs.

   Note: The meatballs will not be fully cooked through at this stage, but they will continue to cook as the soup simmers.

3. Prepare the Soup Base:

   While the meatballs are browning, heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced carrots, onions, and celery. Cook the vegetables for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.

   Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Make the Soup:

   Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the softened vegetables. Stir to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat.

   Once the broth is boiling, add the pasta and browned meatballs to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

   During the last minute of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach. The spinach will wilt quickly and add a lovely burst of green to the soup.

5. Serve the Soup:

   Once the pasta is tender and the meatballs are fully cooked through, your soup is ready! Ladle the soup into bowls, and sprinkle each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Tips & Notes:

• Breadcrumbs: For the breadcrumbs, it’s best to use a hearty white bread like a French loaf or Italian bread. Simply toast a slice and then pulse it in a food processor to create fine crumbs.
• Pasta: Acini de pepe is the traditional pasta used in Italian Wedding Soup. If you can’t find it, orzo works well as a substitute.
• Broth:* If you prefer a more brothy soup, you can reduce the pasta to 3/4 cup. Keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the broth as the soup sits, so you may need to add more broth when reheating.
• Vegetables: While spinach is the most commonly used green for Italian Wedding Soup, you can also use escarole or kale for a slightly different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions:

Italian Wedding Soup is perfect on its own or served with a slice of crusty bread, ideally toasted with a little olive oil and garlic. For a complete meal, pair the soup with a light salad or a simple antipasto platter with olives, cheese, and cured meats.

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 396
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 362mg
• Potassium: 911mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 29g
• Calcium: 190mg
• Iron: 4mg

This Italian Wedding Soup is sure to be a hit with family and friends. By preparing the meatballs and soup from scratch, you’ll elevate the dish and create a comforting, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re making it for a special event or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this soup is the perfect blend of tradition and taste. Enjoy!