Italian wedding soup is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor—a true family favorite! I remember my grandmother making this soup every Sunday, filling the kitchen with the most delightful aromas. The smell of simmering broth mixed with garlic and fresh herbs would instantly transport me back to those cozy family gatherings, where we’d all gather around the table. The best part? Those little meatballs bobbing around in the soup, just waiting to be scooped up with a spoon. Trust me, once you try this Italian wedding soup, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved. Let’s dive into making this delicious dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Ingredients for Italian Wedding Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best Italian wedding soup! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup small pasta (e.g. acini di pepe) – this tiny pasta adds the perfect bite!
- 1 pound ground beef – gives the meatballs a rich flavor.
- 1 pound ground pork – adds moisture and tenderness to the meat mixture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that cheesy goodness in the meatballs.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley – fresh herbs make all the difference in flavor.
- 1 egg – helps bind the meatball mixture together.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better!
- 6 cups chicken broth – the heart of the soup, bringing it all together.
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach – for a healthy, vibrant touch.
- 1 carrot, diced – adds sweetness and color to the soup.
- 1 onion, chopped – the aromatic base of your soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste – season to your preference!
Once you have everything ready, you’re just a step away from creating a comforting bowl of deliciousness!
How to Prepare Italian Wedding Soup
Let’s get cooking! Preparing Italian wedding soup is a delightful process, and I promise it’s easier than it looks. Start by making those scrumptious meatballs that are the heart of the dish.
Making the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined—don’t overdo it! Next, form the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter. You’ll want them to be bite-sized so they fit perfectly in your bowl. Place your meatballs on a plate and set them aside while you get the broth ready.
Cooking the Soup
In a large pot, heat up the chicken broth over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling gently, carefully add the meatballs to the pot. Let them simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully. After the meatballs are cooked through, toss in the small pasta, chopped kale or spinach, diced carrot, and chopped onion. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the veggies are soft. And just like that, you’re almost ready to enjoy a steaming bowl of delicious Italian wedding soup!
Tips for Success with Italian Wedding Soup
To really elevate your Italian wedding soup, here are a few insider tips! First, don’t rush the simmering process; letting the meatballs cook thoroughly in the broth is crucial for flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought meatballs or even turkey for a lighter option. For a flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice right before serving to brighten everything up. And remember, always taste the broth before serving—seasoning is key! Enjoy experimenting and make it your own!
Nutritional Information for Italian Wedding Soup
When it comes to enjoying Italian wedding soup, knowing the nutritional value can help you feel good about your meal! Typically, a serving of this hearty soup contains about 320 calories, with 15g of fat and 25g of protein. You’re also looking at around 30g of carbs, making it a balanced dish. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it’s a comforting and nutritious choice for any meal!
Variations of Italian Wedding Soup
One of the best things about Italian wedding soup is how versatile it is! You can easily switch up the greens—try using Swiss chard or even arugula for a peppery twist. Feeling adventurous? Add a dash of nutmeg or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to deepen the flavors. If you want to spice things up, toss in some red pepper flakes for a little heat! You can also play with the meat—mix in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. The sky’s the limit, so have fun experimenting and find your perfect bowl of comfort!
Serving Suggestions for Italian Wedding Soup
To make your Italian wedding soup experience even more delightful, consider pairing it with some delicious sides! Here are a few ideas:
- Crusty Italian bread or garlic bread for dipping
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Parmesan cheese crisps for an extra crunch
- Antipasto platter with olives, cheeses, and cured meats
These accompaniments will enhance the comforting flavors of your soup and make for a satisfying meal!
FAQ About Italian Wedding Soup
Got questions about making Italian wedding soup? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the meatballs for plant-based options like lentil or chickpea meatballs. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter base.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember, the pasta will continue to absorb broth, so you might want to add a bit more broth when reheating.
Can I freeze Italian wedding soup?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to leave out the pasta if you plan to freeze it, as it doesn’t hold up well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
What can I substitute for the small pasta?
If you can’t find acini di pepe, feel free to use orzo or any small pasta shape you love. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Your Next Steps
I can’t wait for you to try this Italian wedding soup! Once you’ve made it, please come back and let me know how it turned out. Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share your tasty creations on social media. Your feedback means the world to me—happy cooking!
For more delicious soup recipes, check out Classic Chicken Noodle Soup or Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. If you’re interested in the health benefits of soup, you can read more here.
Imprimer
Italian wedding soup: 7 secrets to comfort in a bowl
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
Italian wedding soup is a hearty dish made with meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup small pasta (e.g. acini di pepe)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- In a large pot, heat chicken broth over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the pasta, kale, carrot, and onion.
- Cook until the pasta is tender and the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to use other greens like Swiss chard.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meatballs with plant-based options.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Soup
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: italian wedding soup, soup recipes, italian soup
