Italian Wedding Soup is the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside out. Imagine a steaming bowl filled with flavorful broth, bite-sized meatballs, and tender greens that dance together in perfect harmony. Each spoonful bursts with flavors that sing songs of Italy, wrapping you in warmth like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. roasted asparagus with goat cheese Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner, this soup has a way of making every occasion feel special.
As I ladle out the first bowl of Italian Wedding Soup, I can almost hear my grandmother’s voice reminding me to stir it gently and add just a pinch of love. This dish has been a staple in our family for generations; it’s the secret weapon for every holiday and celebration. pumpkin spice snickerdoodles Picture this: my cousins and I arguing over who gets the last meatball while our parents share stories from their childhoods. Trust me, this soup is bound to create its own unforgettable moments at your table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Italian Wedding Soup is easy to prepare and packed with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Vibrant greens and hearty meatballs make for an eye-catching dish that impresses guests
- Customize ingredients based on what’s in your fridge for added versatility
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner or a festive gathering
I remember the first time I made Italian Wedding Soup; my friends devoured it like it was going out of style.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Meat: A mix of beef and pork works wonders for flavor; feel free to use turkey for a lighter option.
- Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant green leaves; they add color and nutrition to the soup.
- Carrots: Dice them finely for sweetness that complements the savory broth beautifully.
- Onion: Use yellow onions for their natural sweetness when sautéed; they add depth to your soup.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves elevate the flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic delight.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness; sprinkle generously before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Roll into bite-sized meatballs and set aside.
Sauté Your Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and carrots, cooking until they soften and release their sweet aroma.
Add Broth and Greens: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Toss in fresh spinach; watch it wilt into tender perfection within minutes. For more inspiration, check out this Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo recipe.
Simmer with Meatballs: Gently add your meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook until they are fully cooked through—about 10-15 minutes should do it!
Finish with Flavor: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. creamy mashed potato casserole The cheese melts into the broth creating an irresistible creamy texture.
Each step brings you closer to that comforting bowl of Italian Wedding Soup that promises not just nourishment but also fond memories around the dining table. Mediterranean-style Greek potatoes So get ready to enjoy some serious taste bud magic!
You Must Know
- Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting dish that warms both body and soul
- The delightful combination of tender meatballs, fresh greens, and flavorful broth creates a harmony that’s hard to resist
- It’s perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making meatballs first, then simmer them in broth while adding vegetables for optimal flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or use chicken instead of beef for a lighter twist on this classic soup.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain flavors.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Using day-old bread helps form better meatballs, enhancing their texture
- Always sauté aromatics before adding broth for deeper flavor
- Adding lemon zest at the end brightens up the soup beautifully
Sharing this soup recipe always makes me reminisce about that one family gathering where I accidentally added too much garlic—everyone still loved it!
FAQ
What is Italian Wedding Soup?
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting dish featuring meatballs, greens, and flavorful broth. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Parmesan Meatballs recipe.
Can I freeze Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes, you can freeze it but add pasta when reheating to avoid mushiness.
What greens can I use in Italian Wedding Soup?
Spinach is traditional, but kale or Swiss chard works wonderfully too!
Italian Wedding Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in the warmth of Italian Wedding Soup—a comforting blend of savory meatballs, vibrant greens, and rich broth. This delightful dish is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Each bowl is a celebration of flavors that brings everyone together, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Shape into bite-sized meatballs and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots; sauté until softened.
- Add Broth and Greens: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Simmer with Meatballs: Gently add meatballs into the broth and cook for about 10–15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Finish with Flavor: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese just before serving to achieve a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
