Italian Wedding Soup: Comfort in a Bowl

Introduction

Italian Wedding Soup, a classic comfort food, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Despite its name, the soup is not traditionally served at weddings, but rather gets its name from the “marriage” of delicious ingredients like meatballs, greens, pasta, and a savory broth. This recipe has been passed down through generations in Italian families, providing a taste of tradition and comfort in every spoonful.

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground meat (a combination of beef, pork, and veal works well)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 8 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
– 1 cup small pasta (such as acini di pepe or orzo)
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape into small meatballs.

2. In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until the vegetables are tender.

3. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a simmer. Carefully drop in the meatballs and cook for about 10 minutes until they are cooked through.

4. Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and the pasta. Cook until the pasta is al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.

5. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve the Italian Wedding Soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying bowl of goodness!

This classic Italian Wedding Soup is a beloved dish that brings warmth and happiness to any mealtime. With its rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and heartwarming appeal, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home as well. Gather your loved ones, ladle out a bowl of this delicious soup, and savor the comforting delight of Italian cuisine. Buon appetito!

What is Italian Wedding Soup?

Italian Wedding Soup is a traditional Italian dish consisting of a light broth infused with green vegetables, small pasta, and savory meatballs. The name “wedding soup” is derived from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” which means “married soup,” signifying the harmonious marriage of flavors in the dish.

What ingredients are typically used in Italian Wedding Soup?

Italian Wedding Soup often contains ingredients like chicken broth, spinach, carrots, celery, onions, orzo pasta, parmesan cheese, and mini meatballs made from a mixture of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

How is Italian Wedding Soup prepared?

To prepare Italian Wedding Soup, start by making the meatballs by combining ground meat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasoning. Then, form small meatballs and cook them. Next, bring chicken broth to a simmer, add vegetables and pasta, and then the cooked meatballs. Simmer until the flavors meld together, and serve hot garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.