Italian wedding soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s comforting, hearty, and brings together the delightful flavors of tender meatballs, fresh greens, and a savory broth that just makes your taste buds dance! I remember my grandma making this soup for family gatherings, filling the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that pulled everyone in. The unique blend of flavors, with a hint of garlic and the richness of Parmesan, makes it a standout dish. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner or a festive celebration. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with this recipe!
Ingredients for Italian Wedding Soup
Alright, let’s gather everything we need for this delicious Italian wedding soup! Here’s a clear list of ingredients, so you’ll know exactly what to grab from your kitchen.
- 1 cup small pasta – You can use any small pasta you love, like orzo or acini di pepe.
- 1 pound ground beef – This adds a nice richness to the meatballs.
- 1/2 pound ground pork – A perfect partner for the beef, it keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For that delicious cheesy flavor!
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs – This helps hold the meatballs together.
- 1 egg – The binding agent for our meatballs.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better!
- 8 cups chicken broth – The base of our soup, giving it that comforting warmth.
- 2 cups fresh spinach – A great way to add some vibrant color and nutrition.
- 1/2 cup diced carrots – For a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1/2 cup diced celery – This adds a nice crunch and depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season to your liking!
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create a bowl of happiness! Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Italian Wedding Soup
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to whip up this tasty Italian wedding soup! I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and the results are totally worth it!
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it nice and toasty for our meatballs!
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to combine everything until it’s well mixed but don’t overdo it!
- Shape the meatballs: Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. You want them to be bite-sized so they fit perfectly in your soup!
- Bake the meatballs: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. Oh, the smell is going to be heavenly!
- Prepare the broth: While the meatballs are baking, grab a large pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the veggies and pasta: Once the broth is boiling, toss in your small pasta, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook it all together until the pasta is al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but check the package instructions just to be sure!
- Combine everything: After the pasta is cooked, carefully add the baked meatballs and fresh spinach to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. The spinach will wilt beautifully, adding both flavor and color!
- Serve hot: Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top. Enjoy the comforting warmth and delightful flavors!
And there you have it! A delicious pot of Italian wedding soup that’s perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! This Italian wedding soup is not only comforting but packed with good stuff too. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving—remember, these are estimates based on the ingredients we’ve used, so they might vary a bit depending on your specific choices.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
With all that protein and those vibrant veggies, this soup is a hearty meal that’ll keep you satisfied! Enjoy knowing you’re indulging in a dish that’s not just delicious but has some nutrition behind it too. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Italian wedding soup comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering!
- Flavorful: The combination of savory meatballs, fresh greens, and a rich broth creates a delightful explosion of flavors in every spoonful.
- Healthy: Packed with protein from the meatballs and loaded with veggies, this soup is a nourishing choice that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or pasta shapes, making it a versatile dish that can be adjusted to your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this comforting dish, making it a great option for family meals.
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the meatball ingredients.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the meatballs until they’re golden and delicious.
- Large Pot: A sturdy pot for simmering the broth and cooking the soup.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring the soup and combining ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you get the ingredient amounts just right.
- Soup Ladle: A must-have for serving up those hearty bowls of soup!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
- Ground Meat: Feel free to mix it up! You can use all beef, turkey, or chicken for a lighter version. Just keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly.
- Pasta: Any small pasta works here; try quinoa or rice for a gluten-free option!
- Greens: If you’re not a fan of spinach, kale or Swiss chard would be delicious alternatives.
- Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute if you want something a bit sharper.
- Broth: Homemade chicken broth is fantastic, but store-bought works just as well if you’re short on time.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make this delightful Italian wedding soup, here are some pro tips to ensure you achieve the best results! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference in your cooking experience.
- Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, and we want them to be tender and juicy!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality broth can elevate the flavors of your soup. If you can, opt for homemade broth—it adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat!
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the broth before adding the meatballs and veggies. You may want to adjust the salt and pepper to make sure it’s seasoned just right. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it away!
- Watch the Pasta: Keep an eye on your pasta to avoid overcooking it. Al dente is the way to go! It’ll continue to cook slightly when you add it to the hot broth.
- Simmer Gently: Once you add the meatballs and spinach, let the soup simmer gently. This helps meld all the flavors together without overcooking the greens!
- Make It Ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day! If you have time, make it ahead and let the flavors develop overnight in the fridge.
- Garnish with Love: When serving, don’t skip the garnish! A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil can add a beautiful finishing touch that makes your soup look as good as it tastes.
With these tips, you’re all set to create a bowl of Italian wedding soup that’s sure to impress! Happy cooking!
Variations of Italian Wedding Soup
One of the things I absolutely love about Italian wedding soup is how versatile it is! You can easily mix things up depending on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving. Here are some fun variations to inspire your next batch:
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or basil to the meatball mixture or the broth. They’ll add a lovely aroma and depth of flavor!
- Spice it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little kick. It’s a great way to warm you up on chilly days!
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even peas for extra nutrition and color. The more, the merrier!
- Whole Grains: Swap out the pasta for whole grains like farro, barley, or quinoa for a hearty twist that adds a nutty flavor and boosts the fiber content.
- Different Greens: Instead of spinach, experiment with other greens like kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula for a slightly peppery taste. Each green brings its own unique flair!
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix in some shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese just before serving for a gooey, melty surprise that takes your soup to the next level!
- Meatless Option: For a vegetarian version, simply skip the meatballs and use chickpeas or lentils for protein. You can also make veggie patties and drop them in for a delightful alternative.
With these variations, you can create a different Italian wedding soup each time you make it! So go ahead and get creative—your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep your Italian wedding soup fresh and delicious for later! I always love having leftovers of this comforting dish, and with the right storage, you can enjoy it for days to come.
To store your soup, let it cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it into airtight containers. Make sure to leave a little space at the top, as the soup may expand when frozen. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days, or if you want to save it for a later date, go ahead and freeze it! It’ll keep well for up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them perfectly. If you’ve frozen the soup, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, pour the soup into a pot and gently heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps it warm up evenly without losing that beautiful flavor we love. If you want to add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating, it can help bring back the original consistency!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a paper towel to prevent splatters, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between until it’s heated through. Easy-peasy!
With these simple tips, you can keep enjoying your delicious Italian wedding soup, even after the first serving! Happy eating!
Z nadrukami
Italian Wedding Soup: 7 Heartwarming Comforts to Savor
- Całkowity Czas: 60 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Italian wedding soup is a comforting dish made with meatballs, greens, and a flavorful broth.
Składniki
- 1 cup small pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Form small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes.
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Add pasta, carrots, and celery to the broth.
- Cook until pasta is al dente.
- Add baked meatballs and spinach to the pot.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Serve hot.
Uwagi
- Use any small pasta you prefer.
- Adjust the amount of greens to taste.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Soup
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 320
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: Italian wedding soup