Hello, fellow foodies! Winter is here, and nothing beats the chills like a warm, cozy bowl of soup. If you’re looking for something hearty, comforting, and absolutely delicious, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m going to share with you a recipe for Italian Wedding Soup that will make your taste buds dance with joy. And the best part? You can whip it up in just 30 minutes!
Italian Wedding Soup is a classic dish that has been a favorite of generations of Italian families. The soup is traditionally served at weddings, hence the name. This soup is full of flavor, and every spoonful is a delight to the palate. It’s a comforting soup that warms you up from the inside out and makes you feel good just by eating it. This recipe has all the classic ingredients that go into Italian Wedding Soup and can be made very quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a nice bowl of soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Italian Wedding Soup is a comfort food that has been a favorite among many for ages. It is a flavorful and filling soup that originated from Southern Italy. The name “Minestra Maritata” means “married soup”, and the reason for this name is because of the perfect marriage between the meatballs, pasta, vegetables, and chicken broth used to make this delicious soup. If you are looking for a hearty soup that is easy to make and tastes great, then look no further than this Italian Wedding Soup Recipe!
What is Italian Wedding Soup?
Italian Wedding Soup is a traditional soup made with meatballs, pasta, vegetables, and chicken broth. The soup has a rich savory flavor that is perfect for warming you up on a winter evening. The dish is called Italian Wedding Soup because the flavors of the meatballs, pasta, and vegetables blend perfectly together like a happy marriage. The soup is easy to make and requires ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Italian Wedding Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1 cup cooked pasta
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
If you are ready to make this delicious soup, follow these easy steps:
Step 1 – Make the meatballs by mixing ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and egg in a bowl. Roll mixture into small balls about an inch in diameter.
Step 2 – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until onions are tender and translucent.
Step 3 – Add chicken broth, sliced carrots, and the meatballs to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 4 – Add pasta and spinach to the soup and simmer for about 10 minutes until cooked.
Step 5 – In a separate bowl, beat two eggs with grated parmesan cheese. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the soup while stirring constantly until egg ribbons form.
Step 6 – Serve hot and enjoy!
This Italian Wedding Soup recipe is easy to make and is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The combination of meatballs, pasta, and vegetables is both hearty and satisfying. The addition of egg ribbons adds another layer of flavor and texture to the soup. Make a big batch of this soup and enjoy it with your family and friends. Try adding your own twist to the recipe by using different vegetables or adding more spices to suit your own taste. This Italian Wedding Soup will leave you wanting more!
Making the Best Italian Wedding Soup: Tips and Tricks
Italian wedding soup is a heart-warming and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or any occasion. Originating from Southern Italy, this soup has become a part of the American culinary tradition. With its delicious meatballs, vegetables, and pasta, it’s a filling and satisfying meal that will keep you coming back for more. Here are some tips and tricks to make the best Italian wedding soup:
Use Fresh Ingredients
One of the main secrets to making an amazing Italian wedding soup is to use fresh ingredients. Fresh spinach, carrots, onions, and garlic will enhance the flavor of the soup and make it more aromatic. Avoid canned or frozen vegetables as they tend to have less flavor and may affect the overall taste of the dish.
Season the Meatballs
Another essential factor of this soup is the meatballs. Seasoning the meatballs with salt and pepper, grated parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs will add flavor to the soup. If you decide to use pork, beef, or a combination of both, make sure to use lean meat so that the meatballs don’t fall apart. Also, avoid overmixing the meatballs as this can toughen them.
Use a Quality Chicken Broth
One of the key ingredients in Italian wedding soup is chicken broth. Using a quality chicken broth will add richness and flavor to the soup. You can make your chicken broth at home or opt to use store-bought broth. If you want to intensify the taste of the chicken broth, add some aromatics like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
The pasta is the final ingredient to add to the soup. Traditionally, acini di pepe or orzo pasta are used in Italian wedding soup. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, which means it’s cooked through but still has a firm texture. Overcooking the pasta will result in a mushy and unappetizing mess.
Simmer Slowly
Simmering the soup slowly is crucial for the flavors to meld together beautifully. Start by cooking the vegetables until they’re soft, then add the chicken broth and meatballs, followed by the pasta. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, and then add the spinach and simmer for another 5 minutes. This technique allows the ingredients to cook evenly and enhances the overall texture and flavor of the soup.
Prep Ahead of Time
To make the process of making Italian wedding soup less cumbersome, you can prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. You can cut the vegetables, make the meatballs, and cook the pasta ahead of time and store them in separate containers. When you’re ready to make the soup, it’ll be much quicker and easier.
In conclusion, Italian wedding soup is a delectable and hearty meal that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Using fresh ingredients, seasoning the meatballs, using quality chicken broth, not overcooking the pasta, simmering slowly, and prepping ahead of time are essential tips and tricks that will ensure a delicious and appetizing soup. Make sure to serve it with some crusty bread and grated parmesan cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. Buon appetito!
Variations of Italian Wedding Soup
With Orzo Pasta
If you want to give your Italian Wedding Soup a little twist, you can substitute the traditional pastina with orzo pasta. Orzo pasta is a small rice-shaped pasta that is popular in Italian cuisine and is perfect for making soups. It has a slightly chewy texture and is perfect for absorbing all the flavors of the soup. You can add a handful of orzo pasta to your soup to make it more filling, or you can switch to orzo pasta altogether and omit the pastina. The taste will be slightly different, but equally delicious.
Vegetarian Version
For those who follow a vegetarian diet, you can still enjoy the goodness of Italian Wedding Soup by making a few adjustments to the recipe. You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the meatballs. To make up for the protein in the meatballs, you can add other ingredients such as tofu, mushrooms, or veggie balls. Tofu is a great substitute for meatballs as you can season it accordingly and it will take on the flavors of the soup.
With Escarole
Italian Wedding Soup typically includes spinach as one of the main ingredients. But if you want to mix it up, try using escarole instead. Escarole is a leafy green vegetable that is part of the endive family. It has a slightly bitter taste that adds depth to the soup. You can use it as a substitute or mix it in with the spinach for a unique flavor profile. Escarole is also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your soup.
These variations are just a few ways to make your Italian Wedding Soup even more delicious. With a little creativity, you can customize the soup to your liking and enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of soup anytime you want.
Thank You, and Enjoy Your Cozy Soup!
Thanks for taking the time to check out this Italian wedding soup recipe. We hope you enjoy making it and relishing in its warm, cozy flavors. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for those chilly days when nothing but a steaming bowl of soup will do.
We’ll be back with more delicious recipes like this one, so keep an eye out for our next installment. And don’t hesitate to leave us a comment with any feedback or variations to the recipe you’ve tried! Until next time, happy cooking.
FAQ
What is Italian wedding soup?
Italian wedding soup is a traditional Italian soup that typically includes vegetables, herbs, meatballs, and pasta.
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! The recipe calls for orzo, but you can use any small pasta you prefer.
What can I substitute for the ground turkey?
You can use ground beef, pork, chicken, or even lamb as an alternative.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the freezer.
Can I make the soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Of course! Feel free to add any other vegetables you like, such as zucchini, green beans, or spinach.
Do I have to use fresh herbs?
No, you can use dried herbs as a substitute. Just remember to adjust the measurements accordingly.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, chicken broth can be used instead of beef broth if you prefer.
What can I serve with the soup?
Italian wedding soup pairs well with warm crusty bread or a side salad.
How many servings does the recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 6 servings.