Description
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting and hearty soup featuring tender mini meatballs, fresh greens like escarole or spinach, small pasta, and a savory chicken broth enriched with vegetables and herbs. This classic Italian-American dish combines rich flavors and textures to deliver warmth and satisfaction, perfect for chilly evenings or family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Broth and Vegetables
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Greens
- 1/2 cup small pasta (acini di pepe or orzo)
- 4 cups fresh greens (escarole or spinach), chopped
Garnishes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Extra virgin olive oil, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, beaten egg, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small, bite-sized meatballs, about one inch in diameter. Set aside.
- Create the Flavorful Broth: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Cook the Meatballs in Broth: Carefully drop the prepared meatballs into the simmering broth. Let them cook gently for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown evenly and ensure they are cooked through without breaking apart.
- Add Pasta and Greens: Stir in the pasta and cook until tender according to package instructions. Add the fresh greens last, allowing them to wilt slightly while retaining their bright color and some texture.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garnish with chopped parsley, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and basil for enhanced flavor.
- Keep meatballs small for quick cooking and easy spoonfuls.
- Add leafy greens at the end to maintain color and texture.
- Simmer broth gently to keep it clear and flavorful.
- Homemade chicken broth adds extra richness to the soup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg