Italian Wedding Soup

This Italian Wedding Soup is a delightfully comforting dish that brings together savory meatballs, fresh spinach, and tender pasta in a rich broth. Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to cozy gatherings, this recipe highlights the best of Italian cuisine. With its easy preparation methods, whether on the stovetop or in a crock pot, you’ll find that this soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes and preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can have a warm bowl of Italian Wedding Soup ready in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices creates a deeply flavorful broth that enhances every ingredient.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out vegetables or use different types of meat based on what you have on hand.
• Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with lean proteins and fresh greens, this soup is both satisfying and wholesome.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start. Having everything ready will help streamline your process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the broth and cooking the soup evenly.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for easily combining ingredients for the meatballs without mess.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

This classic Italian Wedding Soup recipe has savory meatballs in a flavorful broth with spinach and pasta! It’s easy to make on the stove top or in the crock pot!

For the Meatballs

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• ½ lb. ground beef (85% lean)
• ½ lb. ground pork
• 1 egg (beaten)
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

For the Soup Base

• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 ¼ cups carrots (diced)
• 2 celery ribs (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

For Serving

• ¾ cup acini de pepe pasta (uncooked)
• 4-5 cups fresh spinach
• Salt/Pepper (to taste)
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Roll into small meatballs about one inch in diameter.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic; sauté until vegetables are softened.

Step 3: Make the Broth

1. Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
2. Stir in Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Add Meatballs and Pasta

1. Gently add meatballs to the simmering broth.
2. Cook for about 10 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.
3. Stir in uncooked acini de pepe pasta.

Step 5: Incorporate Spinach

1. Once pasta is cooked (about 5 minutes), add fresh spinach to the pot.
2. Stir until spinach wilts down; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Enjoy your homemade Italian Wedding Soup warm!

How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair the soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth, adding texture and heartiness.

Topped with Extra Parmesan

• Serve bowls of Italian Wedding Soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the savory meatballs.

Accompanied by a Salad

• A light salad works well as a side. Consider a simple green salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing to balance the warm soup.

As Part of a Larger Meal

• Incorporate this soup into a multi-course meal. It pairs beautifully with an antipasto platter or other Italian favorites.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. This not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile.

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How to Perfect Italian Wedding Soup

To ensure your Italian Wedding Soup turns out delicious every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a big difference in flavor and nutrition.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add acini de pepe pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper levels before serving for the best flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup ahead of time. It tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight in the fridge.
• Try Different Greens: While spinach is traditional, feel free to experiment with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
• Crock Pot Option: For convenience, consider making this soup in a crock pot. Just combine ingredients and let them simmer for hours.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Wedding Soup

When planning your meal, consider these delightful side dishes that complement Italian Wedding Soup perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up delicious broth.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and herbs makes for a tasty appetizer alongside your meal.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites provide an earthy flavor that pairs well with the rich soup.
5. Italian Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables offers variety and flavor.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add color and nutrients to your dining experience.
7. Focaccia Bread: This fluffy bread is great for dipping and enhances the meal’s overall comfort factor.
8. Mixed Green Salad: A light mix of greens dressed simply can balance the richness of the soup nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Italian Wedding Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will elevate your dish. Here are some key pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Using stale breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs better. Always use fresh or homemade for optimal texture.
• Overcooking the spinach: Spinach should be added at the end of cooking. Overcooking it can make it mushy and dull in color.
• Neglecting seasoning: Taste your broth before serving! A pinch of salt or pepper can enhance the overall flavor significantly.
• Skipping the browning step: Browning meatballs adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step if you want a rich taste.
• Cooking pasta too long: If you plan to store leftovers, undercook the pasta slightly. It will continue cooking when reheated, preventing it from becoming mushy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Italian Wedding Soup in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Italian Wedding Soup

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer for best quality.

Reheating Italian Wedding Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Pour soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Italian Wedding Soup, along with their answers.

How do I make Italian Wedding Soup vegetarian?

You can replace meatballs with plant-based options like lentils or veggie meatballs. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Can I use frozen spinach in Italian Wedding Soup?

Yes, frozen spinach works well! Just thaw and drain it before adding to the soup at the end of cooking.

What type of pasta is best for Italian Wedding Soup?

Acini de pepe is traditional, but you can also use small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini if needed.

How long does homemade Italian Wedding Soup last?

Homemade soup can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months when frozen.

Final Thoughts

Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that makes it a comforting meal any day of the week. Its versatility allows for numerous customization options, like adding different vegetables or using various types of meat. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness!