Italian Wedding Soup is a warm and cozy dish filled with tasty meatballs, fresh greens, and little pasta. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
This soup is perfect for chilly days. I love to serve it with some crusty bread. Trust me, you’ll want to sip every last drop! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing vegetables and gives a good flavor base. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or canola oil as a substitute.
Acini di Pepe Pasta: This small pasta is traditional in wedding soup. If you can’t find it, try another tiny pasta like orzo or even small shells!
Ground Beef & Pork: You can mix these two meats for great flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Just keep in mind the texture and moisture might change a bit.
Spinach or Escarole: Fresh spinach is my favorite for its tenderness. If you have kale or collard greens, they can be good substitutes, though they may require a longer cooking time.
Parmesan Cheese: A must for a cheesy finish, but you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Make Perfect Meatballs for Soup?
Making meatballs can seem tricky, but just follow these steps for success. Here’s how to get them juicy and flavorful:
- Mix the meat with breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, and seasonings gently. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Use wet hands to shape the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- Brown them in batches on medium heat. This seals in juices and adds flavor.
- Don’t skip simmering them in the soup. This helps them cook through and absorb more flavor from the broth.
Enjoy making your Italian Wedding Soup! It’s a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for sharing and enjoying with loved ones. 🍽️
Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups water
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (divided)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Greens and Pasta:
- 1 cup acini di pepe pasta (or small pasta like orzo)
- 6 cups fresh spinach or escarole, roughly chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup should take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 45-60 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the diced celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes, until they become soft and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic and Broth:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about another minute until you can smell its delicious aroma. Then pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat so it can simmer.
3. Prepare the Meatballs:
While waiting for the broth to heat up, let’s make the meatballs! In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, the remaining minced garlic, half of the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined.
4. Shape and Brown the Meatballs:
Now, shape this mixture into small 1-inch meatballs. In a skillet over medium heat, place the meatballs and brown them until they develop a nice crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remember, they will cook fully in the soup later.
5. Cook the Soup:
Add the browned meatballs to the simmering broth along with the acini di pepe pasta. Let it all cook together until the pasta is tender, which should be about 6-8 minutes.
6. Add the Greens:
Now stir in the chopped spinach and the remaining parsley. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the greens wilt down beautifully into the soup.
7. Season and Serve:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle it into bowls, making sure to sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top! Serve hot with crusty bread by the side.
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Italian Wedding Soup, filled with flavorful meatballs, tender pasta, and vibrant fresh greens in a savory broth! It’s a meal that warms the heart! 🌟
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs! Just add them to the soup straight from the freezer, allowing a few extra minutes of cooking time to ensure they’re heated through. This will save you time if you’re looking for a quicker meal!
What Can I Substitute for Acini di Pepe?
If you can’t find acini di pepe, no problem! Small pasta like orzo, ditalini, or even mini shells can work perfectly in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times as different pasta shapes can vary!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, skip the meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or chickpeas for protein and hearty texture!