Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is the epitome of comfort food rich, flavorful broth filled with tender meatballs, pasta, and fresh greens. The addition of Parmesan cheese elevates the soup, giving it that perfect finishing touch.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, yet it’s brimming with savory goodness. This soup is ideal for cold days when you need something hearty and satisfying. Whether served as a starter or a main course, it’s bound to warm you up from the inside out. Perfect for family dinners or any occasion that calls for a comforting, nourishing meal.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped

• 1 medium celery stalk, chopped

• 4 cups low-salt chicken broth

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 pound ground beef

• 1/2 pound ground pork

• 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil

• 1/2 cup small pasta (such as acini di pepe or pastina)

• 4 cups baby spinach or other leafy greens

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-6 minutes.

2. Add the chicken broth, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

3. While the broth is heating up, make the meatballs. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

4. Once the broth is simmering, add the meatballs carefully, one by one, to the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

5. Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes.

6. Stir in the spinach and cook for 2 minutes, until wilted.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Italian Wedding Soup: A Comforting Classic with Timeless Appeal

When it comes to comforting, soul-warming dishes, few can compete with the beloved Italian Wedding Soup. This dish, a hearty combination of tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, savory broth, and delicate pasta, has earned its place in homes around the world as a go-to comfort food. Its unique name and flavor profile make it not only a favorite in Italian-American households but also a dish that carries a bit of tradition and nostalgia with every spoonful.

Origins of Italian Wedding Soup

The origins of Italian Wedding Soup are often the subject of some confusion, largely due to the misleading name. Contrary to what the name might suggest, the soup isn’t traditionally served at weddings. The term “wedding” in this context is derived from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” which means “married soup.” The “marriage” refers to the harmonious combination of flavors particularly the marriage of meat and vegetables which is the hallmark of this hearty, flavorful dish.

This soup is rooted in southern Italy, where it has been prepared for centuries, but it became particularly popular among Italian-American communities in the United States. It quickly became a staple in the culinary repertoire of these communities, often featured in family gatherings, holidays, and Sunday suppers.

The Flavorful Components of Italian Wedding Soup

At the heart of any good Italian Wedding Soup is the broth, which provides the foundation for all the other ingredients. The broth is traditionally made with chicken or beef, simmered with aromatic herbs such as thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. The key to a flavorful broth lies in a slow, careful simmer that allows the seasonings to infuse the liquid, creating a rich, savory base that ties everything together.

Another quintessential component of Italian Wedding Soup is the meatballs. Typically made from a combination of beef and pork, these meatballs are seasoned with garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and eggs, then gently simmered in the broth. The meatballs, once cooked, absorb the flavors of the broth while maintaining their tender texture, making every bite a perfect balance of rich meat and savory liquid.

Vegetables also play a crucial role in this soup. The addition of leafy greens, such as spinach or escarole, adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the richness of the meatballs and broth. The greens are typically added towards the end of cooking, just enough to wilt them but not overcook them, preserving their vibrant color and nutritional value. In addition to the greens, diced carrots, onions, and celery provide sweetness and depth to the soup, contributing both flavor and texture.

A small pasta, such as acini di pepe or pastina, is a traditional addition to Italian Wedding Soup. The tiny, delicate pasta adds another layer of texture to the dish, making each spoonful a satisfying combination of broth, meatballs, vegetables, and pasta. It also helps to make the soup more filling, turning it from a simple starter into a more substantial meal.

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

As with any classic Italian dish, the quality of the ingredients plays a significant role in determining the success of the final product. Fresh herbs, high-quality meat, and the best greens you can find will elevate this soup from good to great. Although Italian Wedding Soup is often made with basic pantry staples, the best results come when you use fresh, in-season vegetables and hand-crafted meatballs made from scratch.

The combination of fresh ingredients and slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together in a way that pre-made broths or processed ingredients simply cannot replicate. For an even richer flavor, some variations of the soup use homemade broth made from chicken or beef bones that have been simmered for hours, ensuring a depth of flavor that pre-packaged options often lack.

Customizing Your Italian Wedding Soup

One of the wonderful things about Italian Wedding Soup is its versatility. While the classic recipe includes beef, pork, greens, and small pasta, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on the dish based on personal preferences or dietary needs.

For a lighter variation, you can swap out the ground beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken. The broth can be made with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version, and you can add more seasonal vegetables like zucchini, peas, or leeks to enhance the flavor profile. If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use a different type of pasta that meets your dietary needs.

For a twist on tradition, some people enjoy adding different types of cheese to the meatballs, such as ricotta or mozzarella. These cheeses can lend a creamy texture to the meatballs, making them even more flavorful and indulgent.

In addition to the flexibility of the ingredients, the cooking time for this soup can also be adjusted to suit your schedule. While the soup is typically simmered for an hour to allow all the flavors to meld together, it can also be prepared in a slow cooker for an even more hands-off approach. Simply throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic, resulting in a flavorful soup ready to enjoy when you return home.

Italian Wedding Soup as a Comfort Food Staple

While Italian Wedding Soup is often associated with special occasions like holidays or Sunday dinners, it is a dish that can be enjoyed year-round. The comforting qualities of the soup make it especially appealing during colder months, as its warm broth and hearty meatballs provide a sense of coziness and nourishment.

However, this soup is just as satisfying in the spring and summer when served with a fresh loaf of crusty bread and a light salad. Its versatility makes it suitable for a variety of occasions, whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing a meal for a busy weeknight, or wanting something comforting to enjoy during a quiet evening at home.

The Health Benefits of Italian Wedding Soup

In addition to being delicious and satisfying, Italian Wedding Soup offers a number of health benefits. The lean meats and fresh vegetables provide a good source of protein, vitamins, and fiber, making it a balanced and nutritious meal. The leafy greens, such as spinach or escarole, are packed with essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and antioxidants that support overall health.

By making the soup from scratch with fresh ingredients, you can also control the sodium levels, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought canned soups. You can easily adjust the amount of salt to your taste, ensuring that the soup remains flavorful without being overly salty.

Conclusion:

Italian Wedding Soup is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting and timeless tradition that brings families together around the table. With its rich, flavorful broth, tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and delicate pasta, it’s no wonder that this soup has become a favorite in many households. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter day or serving it at a family gathering, Italian Wedding Soup will always be a dish that warms the heart and fills the stomach.

By following the traditional recipe or adding your own personal twist, you can create a version of Italian Wedding Soup that suits your tastes and dietary needs. Regardless of the variation, one thing remains true: this soup is a true testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients and the joy of sharing a homemade meal with loved ones.