Italian Wedding Soup: A Classic Comfort Dish

Italian Wedding Soup is a timeless favorite, known for its savory broth, tender meatballs, and fresh greens. Perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings, this soup brings together the perfect “marriage” of flavors, hence its charming name. It’s hearty, nourishing, and surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 🥩 1/2 pound ground beef
• 🍗 1/2 pound ground chicken or pork
• 🍞 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 🧀 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 🥚 1 large egg
• 🌿 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup:

• 🧈 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 🥕 2 medium carrots, diced
• 🌱 2 stalks celery, diced
• 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 🍗 8 cups chicken broth
• 🌿 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 🌾 1/2 cup acini di pepe or small pasta
• 🌱 4 cups fresh spinach or escarole, chopped
• 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
• 🧀 Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs:
   • In a bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Roll into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Simmer the Soup:
   • Add the chicken broth and oregano to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   • Stir in the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Add the spinach or escarole in the last few minutes of cooking.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve warm with crusty bread.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 14g
• Carbs: 20g
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 2g

Tips for the Best Italian Wedding Soup

1. Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them for quicker meal prep.
2. Customize the Greens: Use kale or Swiss chard if spinach or escarole isn’t available.
3. Choose Your Pasta: Any small pasta like orzo or ditalini can substitute for acini di pepe.