Italian Wedding Soup

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Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful and heartwarming dish that perfectly embodies the essence of comfort food. With its rich, flavorful broth, tender meatballs, and fresh greens, this soup is ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Originating in Italy, the term “wedding soup” actually refers to the wedding of flavors rather than a celebration. The blend of ingredients creates a dish that feels like a celebration of its own.

This recipe combines both ground beef and beef to create juicy meatballs, which are simmered in a savory broth with vegetables and leafy greens. Let’s dive into this delightful creation that promises to warm both your hearts and appetites.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Italian Wedding Soup is not only delicious but also very approachable, allowing home cooks of all levels to make a stunning dish that impresses. The balance of flavors—from the savory meatballs to the fresh herbs and greens—ensures that every bowl offers a burst of delightful taste. Plus, it is relatively quick to prepare and utilizes simple, fresh ingredients that are often found in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• ½ pound 85% lean ground beef
• ½ pound ground beef
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2-4 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach or escarole, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Make Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground beef, beaten egg, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet or plate. You should get around 20-25 meatballs.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

In a large pot, heat 2-4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the meatballs for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown on all sides. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.

Step 4: Start the Soup Base

In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and then sauté a chopped onion (optional) and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Step 5: Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze it, infusing the broth with flavor from the meatballs.

Step 6: Cook the Meatballs in the Soup

Once the broth is simmering, carefully add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Allow them to simmer in the broth for about 12-15 minutes so that all the flavors meld together.

Step 7: Add the Greens

After the meatballs have simmered, stir in the chopped spinach or escarole. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.

Step 8: Final Touches

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the remaining grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and freshness.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the Italian Wedding Soup into bowls and serve hot. A sprinkle of more Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavor even further. Enjoy this culinary delight with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Expert Tips

• For extra flavor, consider adding some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Make sure to use a good-quality broth for the best flavor; homemade is always preferred if time allows.
• To save time, make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them until you are ready to cook the soup.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add small pasta such as acini di pepe or orzo along with the greens.

Variations and Customizations

• Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add more vegetables such as carrots or celery for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Use quinoa or farro instead of pasta for a healthy whole grain twist.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the meatballs and use plant-based meat alternatives or beans along with extra vegetables.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Italian Wedding Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so without the greens, as they can become soggy when reheated. Freeze the base soup with meatballs and then add fresh greens upon reheating for the best texture.

FAQ

Can I make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and soup in advance. Just store them separately and reheat them before serving For the freshest taste, add the greens during the reheating process.

What can I serve with Italian Wedding Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic bread, garlic bread, or a simple salad. A light vinaigrette salad complements the flavors, making it a complete meal.

Can I substitute the meats in the meatballs?

Yes! Feel free to use any ground meat you prefer, such as turkey, lamb, or even a mix of ground meats for a unique flavor profile. Vegetarian options are also available if you use plant-based meat alternatives.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

The meatballs should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer. The meatballs should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the middle.

Conclusion

Italian Wedding Soup is a timeless dish that combines hearty meatballs, flavorful broth, and fresh greens into a fulfilling and fantastic bowl of comfort. Whether you are reminiscing about family gatherings or creating new memories around the dinner table, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Gather your ingredients, and let the cooking adventure begin!

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