Italian Wedding Soup

 

Italian Wedding Soup: A Comforting Classic Made Easy

Few soups evoke warmth and nostalgia like Italian Wedding Soup. Bursting with flavor, tender meatballs, and fresh greens, this soup is a family favorite that’s perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings. Despite its fancy name, Italian Wedding Soup is simple to make, wholesome, and absolutely comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is beloved for several reasons:

• Hearty yet light: Tender meatballs and leafy greens in a flavorful broth create the perfect balance.

• Nutritious: Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, it’s a wholesome meal in a bowl.

• Quick to prepare: With a few simple steps, you can have a homemade soup that tastes like it simmered all day.

• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the savory meatballs and delicate broth.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the soup:

• 8 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup small pasta (acini di pepe or orzo work best)

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cups fresh spinach or escarole

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Form into small, bite-sized meatballs.

2. Cook the meatballs: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the meatballs and cook for about 10 minutes, until cooked through.

3. Add vegetables: Stir in carrots, celery, and onion. Simmer for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4. Cook the pasta: Add pasta to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions.

5. Add greens: Stir in fresh spinach or escarole and cook just until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

6. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Perfect Soup

• Small meatballs: Bite-sized meatballs cook evenly and are easy to serve.

• Fresh herbs: Fresh parsley or basil enhances flavor.

• Pasta timing: Add pasta at the end to prevent it from getting mushy.

• Make ahead: The soup can be made a day in advance—the flavors meld beautifully when reheated.

Why It’s a Family Favorite

Italian Wedding Soup combines savory meatballs, tender vegetables, and flavorful broth in a single bowl, making it a meal that comforts and satisfies. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, weeknight dinners, or even entertaining guests.

With this easy recipe, you can bring the taste of Italy straight to your kitchen without any fuss, creating a soup that’s both wholesome and heartwarming.