Italian Wedding Soup: A Hearty Classic
Italian Wedding Soup combines tender meatballs, delicate pasta, and fresh spinach in a savory broth, creating a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- ½ lb ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
For the Soup:
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1¼ cups carrots, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¾ cup acini di pepe pasta, uncooked
- 4–5 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Garnish:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into ¾-inch meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 2 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for approximately 6 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for an additional minute.
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer.
Incorporate Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes.
Cook the Pasta: Separately, cook the acini di pepe pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Add Spinach: Stir fresh spinach into the soup and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Assemble and Serve: Place a portion of cooked pasta into serving bowls. Ladle the hot soup over the pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Tips for a Perfect Italian Wedding Soup
Meatball Mixture: Ensure the meatball mixture is well-combined but not overworked to maintain tenderness.
Pasta Choice: While acini di pepe is traditional, other small pasta like orzo or ditalini can be used.
Broth Quality: Use high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth for the best flavor.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other greens such as escarole or kale for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Italian Wedding Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light side salad. A glass of crisp white wine complements the meal perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. For best results, store the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming overly soft.
Enjoy this timeless Italian Wedding Soup, a delightful marriage of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to your table.