Italian Wedding Soup is a classic dish that embodies everything great about Italian cuisine-rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Despite its elegant name, it’s surprisingly easy to make and incredibly versatile. This soup is a delightful blend of tender meatballs, leafy greens, and a savory broth, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner, a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, or a soul-warming bowl on a cold day, Italian Wedding Soup fits the bill.
The name ’wedding soup’ actually refers to the idea of ’marriage’ between the flavors of meatballs and vegetables-no romantic nuptials here, just a harmony of ingredients coming together in one beautiful bowl. Don’t let the somewhat intimidating-sounding name fool you; this dish is easy to prepare, and the result is a rich, flavorful soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day long.
In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know to make the perfect Italian Wedding Soup from scratch. From the ingredients to expert tips, variations, and more, we’ve got you covered!
Italian Wedding Soup Easy Recipe
When it comes to making a delicious Italian Wedding Soup, simplicity and quality ingredients are key. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring that every spoonful is full of flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, you’ll find that this recipe is both accessible and rewarding.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make your very own Italian Wedding Soup:
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For The Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey (your choice)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably homemade for better texture)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for the best flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For The Soup
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (use high-quality broth for the best taste)
- 2 cups baby spinach or escarole (a traditional choice)
- 1/2 cup pastina, orzo, or small pasta (something small that can hold its shape in the broth)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan (for serving)
Cooking Instructions
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Make The Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. You want the meat mixture to hold together well but not be too dense.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
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Prepare The Soup
- While the meatballs are baking, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Once the meatballs are done, carefully drop them into the simmering broth. Allow the soup to simmer for 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Add the spinach or escarole and pasta to the pot, stirring gently. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the greens are wilted.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each one gets a good amount of meatballs and vegetables. Top with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
Ingredient Insights
The ingredients in Italian Wedding Soup may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor.
- Ground Meat: Traditional Italian Wedding Soup often uses a combination of beef and pork for meatballs, but leaner ground turkey or chicken works perfectly too. The key is to ensure that the meatballs are flavorful and tender.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are used to bind the meatballs and give them a soft texture. Opt for fresh breadcrumbs or homemade ones from stale bread for a superior taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor to both the meatballs and the soup broth. Pre-grated cheese can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
- Greens: While spinach is often used, escarole is the more traditional choice in Italian Wedding Soup. It adds a slightly bitter note that balances out the richness of the broth and meatballs.
- Pasta: Small pasta like orzo or pastina is typically used because it doesn’t overwhelm the broth and gives the soup a comforting, hearty feel.
Expert Tips
- Make the Meatballs Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can make the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors a chance to develop even more.
- Cook the Pasta Separately: If you’re making a big batch of soup, it’s often a good idea to cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving. This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much broth and becoming mushy.
- Flavor Boost: For a richer broth, use bone broth instead of regular chicken broth. It adds a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil, added at the end of cooking, will brighten the flavor of the soup and add a fresh finish.
- Test the Meatballs: If you’re unsure about the meatballs’ seasoning, cook one meatball in a little oil before baking them all. Taste it, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the meatballs with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian take on the soup. You can also skip the meatballs entirely and use beans like cannellini for protein.
- Different Greens: While spinach and escarole are traditional, feel free to use kale, arugula, or Swiss chard for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Pasta Alternatives: Orzo is classic, but feel free to experiment with other small pastas like ditalini, mini shells, or even rice if you’re looking for a gluten-free version.
- Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth or sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper on top of the soup when serving.
Final Words
Italian Wedding Soup is one of those dishes that brings comfort and joy to the table. It’s flavorful, nutritious, and relatively easy to prepare. The combination of tender meatballs, fresh greens, and a savory broth creates a soup that feels both light and hearty-perfect for all seasons.
Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner, a special celebration, or a cozy weekend meal, this soup is sure to impress. It’s adaptable, too-so you can adjust the ingredients to your liking and dietary preferences.
FAQs
What Is Italian Wedding Soup?
Italian Wedding Soup is a traditional Italian-American dish consisting of a flavorful broth, meatballs, and vegetables like spinach or escarole. The name ’wedding’ refers to the ’marriage’ of flavors between the meat and greens, not a literal wedding.
What Ingredients Are Needed For An Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe?
For an easy Italian Wedding Soup, you’ll need meatballs (made with ground beef or pork), broth (chicken or vegetable), greens (like spinach or escarole), carrots, onions, garlic, and small pasta such as acini di pepe or orzo.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs For Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs to save time. Just make sure they are cooked through in the broth before serving. However, homemade meatballs often add more flavor to the soup.
What Kind Of Greens Should I Use In Italian Wedding Soup?
Traditionally, escarole is used in Italian Wedding Soup. However, spinach is a more common and readily available alternative that works well in the soup’s flavor profile.
Can I Make Italian Wedding Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, Italian Wedding Soup can be made in advance. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a few hours or overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
What Pasta Can I Use In Italian Wedding Soup?
Small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini are traditional in Italian Wedding Soup. These small pastas absorb the broth well and complement the meatballs and greens.
Can I Make Italian Wedding Soup Without Meatballs?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Italian Wedding Soup by omitting the meatballs and using vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for additional flavor.
How Can I Make Italian Wedding Soup Spicier?
To add some spice to your Italian Wedding Soup, try incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the broth. You can also add spicy sausage instead of traditional meatballs.
What Can I Substitute For The Broth In Italian Wedding Soup?
If you prefer, you can substitute the broth with water, although the flavor may be less rich. For added depth, consider using bone broth, or adding a bouillon cube to enhance the taste.
Can Italian Wedding Soup Be Made In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, Italian Wedding Soup can be easily made in a slow cooker. Simply combine the broth, meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the pasta toward the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.