Irresistible Italian Wedding Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

The aroma of Italian Wedding Soup wafts through the air, a warm embrace in a bowl that dances with flavors reminiscent of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Picture tender meatballs nestled among vibrant greens, tiny pasta shapes, and a broth so rich and savory it could make even the grumpiest of relatives crack a smile. Zuppa Toscana for Italian flavors Each spoonful feels like a cozy hug on a chilly evening, inviting you to reminisce about cherished moments spent around the dinner table. For more inspiration, check out this cozy cabbage soup recipe recipe.

This delightful dish is not just food; it’s an experience. I remember the first time my grandmother made Italian Wedding Soup for our holiday feast. The kitchen was alive with laughter and the sounds of simmering goodness, as we eagerly awaited our turn to fill our bowls. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or simply looking for comfort on a Tuesday night, this soup promises to deliver joy in every sip.

Ingredients for Italian Wedding Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for flavorful meatballs that won’t leave your soup greasy.
• Italian Sausage: The combination of spicy or sweet Italian sausage adds depth to the meatballs.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley brightens up both the meatballs and the soup itself.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses a wonderful aroma and taste into your broth.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for a balanced flavor base that lets all ingredients shine.
• Escarole or Spinach: These leafy greens add texture and nutrients, making your soup hearty.
• Small Pasta (like Acini di Pepe): This tiny pasta shape is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly—think of it as giving your meat a little love massage! Roll into small meatballs about one inch in diameter.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add meatballs in batches (don’t overcrowd) and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about seven minutes. Transfer them to a plate when done.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot where you browned the meatballs because who wants extra dishes?—add more olive oil if needed. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about one minute). Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

Step 4: Add Broth and Greens

Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Then toss in your escarole or spinach and let it wilt down for about three minutes. This is where your soup starts coming together!

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Add small pasta to the bubbling broth and cook according to package instructions (usually around eight minutes). Stir occasionally so nothing sticks at the bottom.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Gently add your beautifully browned meatballs back into the pot along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Let everything simmer together for another five minutes so those flavors can mingle beautifully.

Transfer to bowls while still hot and sprinkle with extra parsley if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy every mouthful of this comforting Italian Wedding Soup it’s like wearing your favorite sweater on a rainy day!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meatballs to create a rich base, then sauté your aromatics. While those simmer, cook the pasta separately to avoid mushiness. Finally, combine everything with the broth for a soul-warming finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to switch up the greens kale or spinach work wonders. For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes or try swapping traditional herbs for something unexpected like basil. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep the soup from thickening too much and losing its charm.

I still remember the first time I made this Italian Wedding Soup for my friends they couldn’t stop raving about it! Their smiles and satisfied sighs made all my culinary efforts worthwhile.

FAQs:

What is Italian Wedding Soup?

Italian Wedding Soup is a traditional Italian-American dish that combines flavorful meatballs, leafy greens, and small pasta in a savory broth. Despite its name, it does not originate from weddings; rather, it symbolizes the marriage of flavors within the soup. The dish features ingredients like spinach or escarole, which add freshness, while the meatballs provide a hearty texture. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this irresistible garlic shrimp recipe recipe.

How do you make homemade Italian Wedding Soup?

To make homemade Italian Wedding Soup, start by preparing small meatballs using ground meat, breadcrumbs, and herbs. Brown them in a pot and then set aside. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots before adding chicken stock. Once the broth simmers, return the meatballs to the pot along with your choice of greens and small pasta. Cook until everything is tender and enjoy this delightful dish.

Can I make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time. It actually tastes even better after the flavors meld together! To do this, cook all ingredients except for the pasta and greens. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat and add fresh greens along with cooked pasta to maintain their texture.

What variations can I try with Italian Wedding Soup?

You can experiment with various ingredients to create your unique version of Italian Wedding Soup. Consider using turkey or chicken sausage instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also swap out greens like kale or arugula for a different flavor profile. vegetarian gnocchi soup option Adding beans or other vegetables boosts nutrition while still maintaining that comforting essence that makes this soup so beloved.

Conclusion for Italian Wedding Soup:

In summary, Italian Wedding Soup is a delicious blend of savory meatballs, fresh greens, and hearty pasta that brings warmth to any meal. It’s easy to prepare at home and offers flexibility for ingredient variations based on personal preference or dietary needs. BLT soup as a unique alternative Whether enjoyed on a cozy night or served at family gatherings, this classic dish is sure to impress everyone at your table. So gather your ingredients and savor every comforting spoonful!

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Italian Wedding Soup

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• Author: Clare Schmidt
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x

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Description

Italian Wedding Soup is a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of family gatherings with its rich broth, tender meatballs, and vibrant greens. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly nights or festive occasions, inviting you to savor every spoonful. With a simple preparation method and adaptable ingredients, it’s an easy recipe that brings joy to any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 5 oz escarole or spinach (washed and chopped)
• 1 cup small pasta (like Acini di Pepe)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, Italian sausage, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until combined. Form into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for about 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in the escarole or spinach and let it wilt for 3 minutes.
5. Add small pasta to the broth and cook according to package instructions (approximately 8 minutes).
6. Return the browned meatballs to the pot with any juices and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg