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Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup
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Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting classic Italian dish featuring tender meatballs, fresh leafy greens, delicate mini pasta, and a savory chicken broth. This hearty soup offers a perfect balance of rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Soup Base

  • 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or quality store-bought)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Pasta

  • 4 cups fresh escarole or spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mini pasta (acini di pepe, orzo, or small shells)

Garnishes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra virgin olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: Mix the ground beef and pork with egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Combine until just mixed, then form into small, bite-sized meatballs for even cooking.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Either gently brown the meatballs in a pan over medium heat or drop them directly into simmering chicken broth. Cook until they are tender and fully cooked through without falling apart.
  3. Simmer the Broth: In a large pot, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer to develop a rich, comforting base for the soup.
  4. Add Pasta and Greens: Add the mini pasta to the simmering broth and cook until al dente. Stir in the fresh escarole or spinach just until wilted, preserving their vibrant color and texture.
  5. Combine Meatballs and Finish: Return the cooked meatballs to the pot and heat through gently. Serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Optionally drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for added richness.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs like parsley and oregano to brighten the soup’s flavor.
  • Add leafy greens at the last moment to avoid overcooking and keep them vibrant.
  • Make smaller meatballs for even cooking and better texture.
  • Choose high-quality or homemade chicken broth for deeper flavor.
  • Skim excess fat from the broth after cooking meatballs for a cleaner finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Wedding Soup, meatball soup, Italian soup, comfort food, escarole soup, homemade soup

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/italian-wedding-soup/