Ah, Italian Sausage Wedding Soup! It’s a dish that brings a sense of warmth, comfort, and just a little bit of indulgence all in one bowl. You’ve probably heard of it, especially if you’ve had a chance to step into an Italian kitchen, or maybe you’ve seen it gracing the pages of a menu at your favorite Italian restaurant. But have you ever made it at home? If not, you’re in for a treat.
This soup has been a staple in Italian-American homes for generations, often served at weddings (hence the name), and it combines hearty, flavorful elements like savory sausage, tender meatballs, leafy greens, and a rich broth. It’s a dish that not only fills you up but makes you feel cozy from the inside out.
What makes this soup so amazing is how it balances bold flavors with lighter ingredients, and there’s something just so satisfying about each spoonful. Whether you’re prepping for a special occasion or just need a cozy weeknight dinner, Italian Sausage Wedding Soup is here to deliver that perfect mix of comfort and gourmet.
Let’s dive into this recipe, shall we? Grab your apron, and let’s get started on making something incredibly delicious.
Italian Sausage Wedding Soup Recipe
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s break it down step by step. This recipe will guide you to create the best homemade Italian Sausage Wedding Soup that’s guaranteed to have your taste buds dancing and your family asking for seconds. It’s a hearty meal with layers of flavor, and it will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, you’ll need a blend of fresh, pantry-staple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
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For The Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1-2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pasta (or orzo, small shells, or ditalini)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or other leafy greens like kale)
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For The Meatballs
- 1 pound Italian sausage (preferably mild or spicy depending on your preference)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Making Italian Sausage Wedding Soup is easier than you might think, but the result is totally impressive. Follow these simple instructions to bring this delicious soup to life:
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Prepare The Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until well combined. You want the mixture to be sticky but firm enough to form little meatballs.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set them aside on a plate.
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Cook The Vegetables
- In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions turn translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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Simmer The Soup
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Once simmering, carefully drop the meatballs into the soup. Be gentle-they’ll cook right in the broth, infusing their delicious flavors.
- Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
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Add Pasta And Greens
- Stir in your pasta of choice (small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo work best) and cook according to package instructions (usually around 10 minutes).
- Add the spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. This helps it retain its vibrant color and nutrients without becoming too wilted.
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Final Touches
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you want more flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top before serving.
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Serve And Enjoy!
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. You can even drizzle a little olive oil over the top for an extra touch of richness.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the ingredients used in this soup is half the fun. Let’s break down the key components and why they’re important:
- Italian Sausage: The sausage is the flavor foundation for this soup. Its blend of spices and savory fat creates a rich broth that’s perfect for soaking up all the other ingredients. You can go for mild sausage if you want the flavor to be more subtle, or spicy sausage for a bit of a kick.
- Pasta: Small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo are perfect for this soup because they absorb the broth without overpowering the other ingredients. They’re also easy to eat with a spoon, making them ideal for a soup like this.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach and kale add both color and nutrition. The greens balance out the richness of the sausage and give the soup an added depth. Plus, they make the soup look vibrant and fresh.
- Chicken Broth: Using a good-quality chicken broth is essential here. It provides the base of the soup, and its depth of flavor is enhanced by the meatballs and sausage. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt levels in the final dish.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Meatballs: Make sure the meatballs cook just long enough to stay tender. Overcooking them can result in dry, tough meatballs, and nobody wants that.
- Cook the Pasta Separately: If you want your soup to last for a few days, cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and soaking up too much broth.
- Add a Dash of Lemon: To elevate the flavor, try squeezing a little lemon juice over the soup just before serving. The acidity brightens up the flavors and balances out the richness of the sausage.
- Customize the Greens: Feel free to swap spinach for kale or chard. Each green will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the soup.
- Freeze the Meatballs: If you’re looking to make this soup ahead of time, freeze the meatballs uncooked, then drop them into the simmering soup from frozen. It’s a great way to save time and have a meal ready whenever you need it.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: If you’re craving a meatless version, replace the sausage with vegetarian sausage or lentils. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a hearty twist.
- Add Beans: For an even more filling soup, toss in a can of white beans (like cannellini or great northern beans). They’ll absorb the flavors beautifully and add more protein.
- Spicy Twist: If you’re into heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the broth or use spicy Italian sausage to give the soup an extra kick.
- Herb Swaps: Try swapping out the classic Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley. Fresh herbs add a wonderful fragrance and a bright finish to the soup.
Final Words
Italian Sausage Wedding Soup isn’t just a meal-it’s a celebration in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking it for a special occasion, a family dinner, or simply because you want something comforting and delicious, this recipe will deliver. The savory sausage, tender meatballs, fresh greens, and delicate pasta create a balance of flavors that make each bite satisfying and heartwarming.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients In Italian Sausage Wedding Soup?
The main ingredients include Italian sausage, spinach or escarole, chicken broth, small pasta like orzo or acini di pepe, carrots, onions, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Often, small meatballs are also included in the soup.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Sausage For The Recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of sausage, such as turkey or chicken sausage, if you prefer a lighter option. However, traditional Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, is commonly used for its rich flavor.
What Is The Origin Of Italian Sausage Wedding Soup?
Italian sausage wedding soup, also known as “minestra maritata”, has roots in Southern Italy, particularly in Naples. The name ’wedding soup’ refers to the ’marriage’ of flavors between the meat and the greens used in the soup.
Can I Make Italian Sausage Wedding Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, Italian sausage wedding soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together over time, which makes it even tastier. However, you may need to add extra broth when reheating as the soup tends to thicken.
Can I Freeze Italian Sausage Wedding Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. It’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta, as the pasta may become mushy when reheated. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can add freshly cooked pasta after reheating.
What Type Of Pasta Should I Use In Italian Sausage Wedding Soup?
Traditionally, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, orzo, or pastina are used in Italian sausage wedding soup. These small pasta shapes absorb the broth well and complement the other ingredients.
Is There A Vegetarian Version Of Italian Sausage Wedding Soup?
Yes, a vegetarian version can be made by using plant-based sausage or omitting the sausage altogether and adding extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or beans for a similar texture. Vegetable broth should replace chicken broth.
How Do I Make The Meatballs For Italian Sausage Wedding Soup?
To make the meatballs, combine ground Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, and seasonings (such as salt, pepper, and Italian herbs). Roll the mixture into small meatballs and brown them in a pan before adding them to the soup.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach For Italian Sausage Wedding Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach in place of fresh spinach or escarole. Be sure to thaw and drain the spinach well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the soup to avoid watering it down.
What Should I Serve With Italian Sausage Wedding Soup?
Italian sausage wedding soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with a crusty loaf of Italian bread or a side salad. For a more complete meal, you could serve it with a light antipasto platter or a slice of garlic bread.