Big Pot of Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Introduction

Italian Wedding Soup is a beloved classic that combines tender meatballs, wholesome vegetables, savory broth, and pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal. This delicious soup is perfect for cozy family dinners, special gatherings, or a comforting lunch. With its flavorful broth, nutritious greens, and bite-sized meatballs, it brings comfort and joy in every spoonful.

In this guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step recipe to prepare a large pot of Italian Wedding Soup. Not only will you learn how to create perfectly seasoned meatballs, but you’ll also discover the balance between the broth, pasta, and vegetables to create an unforgettable meal.

Overview of the Recipe

This Italian Wedding Soup features a combination of beef and chicken meatballs, fresh spinach or escarole, tender vegetables, and small pasta, simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. The result is a soup that is hearty enough to be a meal on its own. Garnished with Parmesan cheese, this soup offers a blend of textures and savory flavors that are sure to please.

Key Features:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6-8

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Simple and easy to make
• Full of wholesome ingredients
• Comforting and satisfying
• Perfect for meal prep or freezing

History and Origin

Despite its name, Italian Wedding Soup is not specifically served at weddings in Italy. The name actually refers to the “marriage” of flavors between the ingredients—the meat and greens blend harmoniously, creating a rich and savory experience.

The soup’s origin traces back to southern Italy, where the combination of meat and leafy greens was a common meal. Over time, Italian immigrants brought the recipe to the United States, where it evolved into what we now know as Italian Wedding Soup. The inclusion of small pasta, as well as a variety of vegetables, was likely an adaptation to American preferences, but the core essence of the dish has remained the same.

Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Soup Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup small pasta (acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini)
• 6 cups fresh spinach or escarole, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground chicken, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined but do not overwork the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter. Aim to make uniform-sized meatballs for even cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even browning.
3. Cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the soup.
4. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, without cleaning it, add the finely chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery.
2. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.

Step 4: Add the Broth

1. Pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and lift any flavorful browned bits.
2. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

1. Add 1 cup of small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo) to the simmering broth.
2. Stir and let the pasta cook for 6-8 minutes, or until it reaches your preferred level of tenderness.

Step 6: Return the Meatballs and Add the Greens

1. Gently return the browned meatballs to the soup.
2. Add 6 cups of roughly chopped spinach or escarole to the pot.
3. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the greens are wilted.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of your homemade Italian Wedding Soup!

Serving Suggestions

Italian Wedding Soup is hearty enough to be served as a main course, but it pairs wonderfully with various sides to complete the meal.

Ideal Pairings:

• Crusty Italian bread: Serve with slices of garlic bread or ciabatta to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Simple salads: A light mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
• Grilled vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant add a nice texture contrast to the soup.

Variations of the Recipe

Italian Wedding Soup is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some popular variations:

1. Turkey Meatballs: Swap the beef and chicken for ground turkey to create a leaner version of the soup.
2. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free bread crumbs in the meatballs to cater to those with gluten sensitivities.
3. Keto-Friendly: Skip the pasta and add more vegetables like zucchini noodles to make the soup low-carb.
4. Vegetarian Option: Replace the meatballs with plant-based alternatives or small beans, such as cannellini beans, to maintain the hearty texture without the meat.

Health Benefits

Italian Wedding Soup is not only flavorful but also offers several health benefits:

• Protein-Rich: The beef and chicken meatballs provide a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Nutrient-Dense Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and spinach are rich in vitamins and minerals, contributing to better overall health.
• Low in Fat: Using lean meats like chicken and spinach lowers the fat content, making it a healthy meal choice.
• High in Fiber: The inclusion of vegetables and pasta ensures a good amount of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, Italian Wedding Soup can be made in advance. Simply prepare the soup as directed, then cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.

2. Can I freeze Italian Wedding Soup?

Absolutely! To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

3. What can I use instead of spinach or escarole?

You can substitute other leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard, or even baby arugula. Each green adds its own unique flavor to the soup.

4. Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can experiment with different small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti.

Conclusion

Italian Wedding Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender meatballs, nutritious vegetables, and savory broth into one delicious meal. This recipe is both simple and flexible, allowing you to make adjustments based on your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or make a big batch for meal prep, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Serve it with some crusty bread, and you’ll have a complete meal that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy your bowl of comfort with Italian Wedding Soup.

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