Italian Wedding Soup is a classic comfort dish that combines tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth to create a warm, hearty meal. Despite its name, the soup isn’t directly tied to weddings but instead refers to the “marriage” of flavors between the meat and greens. This recipe is designed to serve 6 people and is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
1. Traditional Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Meatballs
- ½ lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ lb. ground pork
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 ¼ cups carrots, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¾ cup acini de pepe pasta, uncooked
- 4-5 cups fresh spinach
- Salt/pepper, to taste
To Garnish
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a plate or tray.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to bloom.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Meatballs
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle boil.
Carefully add the meatballs to the broth. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Spinach
Stir in the uncooked acini de pepe pasta. Let it simmer for 6-8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Add the fresh spinach to the soup and stir until it wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich blend of flavors.
2. Tips to Perfect Italian Wedding Soup
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley, spinach, and garlic elevate the soup’s flavor. Avoid using pre-packaged or dried substitutes if possible.
Don’t Overwork the Meatballs: When mixing the ingredients for the meatballs, handle them gently to avoid making them dense.
Cook Meatballs Directly in the Broth: This method adds extra flavor to the soup as the juices from the meatballs infuse the broth.
Choose the Right Pasta: Acini de pepe is the traditional pasta for this soup, but you can substitute it with orzo or ditalini if needed.
Season Gradually: Taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.
3. How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Note that the pasta may lose some texture after freezing.
Reheating
For refrigerated soup: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
For frozen soup: Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much.
This Traditional Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful and nourishing meal. The combination of meatballs, vegetables, and pasta guarantees a satisfying experience with every bite.
