Italian Wedding Soup is a warm and comforting dish filled with tasty little meatballs, fresh greens, and delicious broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🍲
This soup is easy to whip up, and everyone will love it. I enjoy pairing it with some crusty bread for a delightful meal. Just be ready to go for seconds—it’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef & Pork: This mix gives a great taste, but you can use all ground chicken or turkey if you’re looking for a lighter option. I’ve tried it with turkey, and it still turns out delicious!
Italian Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have these on hand, regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers work well in a pinch. I like to add some Italian seasonings to plain breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: The cheese adds richness. You can swap it for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Fresh Spinach: If spinach isn’t available, kale or Swiss chard can be used instead. They hold up well in the soup and add a nice bite!
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Stay Juicy?
Keeping your meatballs tender is all about the right ingredients and technique. Here’s what to do:
- Mix the meat just until combined; overworking it can make them tough.
- Adding milk gives moisture, so don’t skip it. You can also try adding an extra egg!
- Make the meatballs uniform in size, about 1 inch, for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when cooking them; give them space to form a nice crust.
With these tips, you’ll have perfect meatballs that are tender and flavorful every time!
Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (or all ground beef if preferred)
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced small
- 2 celery stalks, diced small
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta (or small pasta like acini di pepe)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 50 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything well until it’s evenly mixed.
2. Form the Meatballs:
With clean hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This size will help them cook quickly and evenly. Place them on a plate or baking sheet and set aside while you prepare the soup.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
4. Add Broth and Meatballs:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Carefully add the meatballs into the boiling broth. Gently reduce the heat to a simmer and let them cook for about 10 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
5. Cook the Pasta:
After the meatballs are cooked, stir in the orzo pasta. Let it simmer for about 7-9 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Make sure to give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add Spinach:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts down but remains bright green.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if necessary. Adjust the seasoning to your liking for the perfect flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Italian Wedding Soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. It’s great with some crusty bread on the side!
Enjoy your hearty, flavorful Italian Wedding Soup! Bon Appétit! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using frozen mixed vegetables can work just fine. Just add them after the meatballs have cooked through, and adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just remember that pasta may become soft upon reheating, so you might want to cook it separately when serving later.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meatballs for store-bought vegetarian meatballs or make your own with beans and grains. Use vegetable broth and load up on more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a hearty meal!
What Can I Use Instead of Orzo Pasta?
If you don’t have orzo, small pasta like acini di pepe or ditalini works well here. Alternatively, you could use rice or quinoa, but remember to adjust the cooking times accordingly.