Italian Wedding Soup is one of those timeless, comforting dishes that blends rich flavors and textures in a way that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket. But if you’re thinking it’s called "wedding" soup because it’s served at weddings, that’s not quite the case! The term ’wedding’ actually comes from the Italian word "matrimonio," which means "marriage"-a reference to the beautiful combination of flavors that come together perfectly in the soup.
Whether you’re craving something hearty to warm you up on a cold evening or looking for a dish that combines savory and satisfying ingredients, Italian Wedding Soup fits the bill. With its combination of tender meatballs, fresh greens, and a flavorful broth, this soup will surely become one of your go-to recipes. It’s easy to make, versatile, and can be customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
If you’re ready to dive into this delicious soup and make something that’s both hearty and delicious, keep reading as we take a closer look at the Progresso Italian Wedding Soup recipe, including a detailed list of ingredients, cooking instructions, and everything else you need to know!
Progresso Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
The Progresso Italian Wedding Soup recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to recreate the classic soup without spending too much time in the kitchen. With the rich, savory flavors of turkey meatballs, greens like spinach or kale, and a deliciously rich broth, this soup hits all the right notes. It’s a great option for a family dinner, a special occasion, or even as a hearty lunch!
This recipe is a streamlined version of traditional Italian wedding soup, but it doesn’t sacrifice any of the authenticity or flavor. Let’s walk through the process of making this dish and break down each component of the recipe.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking. The ingredient list is pretty simple, but it delivers a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
For The Meatballs
- Ground turkey (or beef, depending on your preference)
- Fresh breadcrumbs (preferably homemade, but store-bought works too)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garlic (minced)
- Egg (to bind everything together)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For The Soup
- Progresso chicken broth (this brings a deep, savory base)
- Fresh spinach or kale (use whichever you prefer or a combination)
- Carrots (diced)
- Celery (diced)
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
Optional Garnishes
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s break it down step by step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you might think!
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Make The Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add the egg and mix everything together until it’s fully incorporated. The mixture should be slightly sticky, which helps to hold the meatballs together during cooking.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on how big you make them.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Set them aside once done.
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Prepare The Soup
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. This will release the aromatic flavors of the garlic.
- Pour in the Progresso chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Add The Meatballs And Greens
- Carefully add the baked meatballs into the simmering broth, letting them cook in the liquid for about 5-7 minutes. This will help them soak up the flavors from the broth.
- Add the spinach (or kale) to the pot, stirring it in until the greens have wilted and softened. This will take around 3-5 minutes, depending on your choice of greens.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve
- Once everything is cooked through, it’s time to ladle the soup into bowls. You can sprinkle a little more Parmesan cheese on top and add a bit of chopped parsley for freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Each of the ingredients in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the depth of flavor that makes Italian Wedding Soup so beloved. Let’s break down a few key ingredients:
- Ground Turkey (or Beef): Turkey provides a lighter, leaner option compared to beef, which is often used in more traditional versions. It absorbs the flavors of the broth and seasoning really well, giving you a delicious and protein-packed meatball.
- Progresso Chicken Broth: Using a high-quality chicken broth like Progresso brings a rich, savory foundation to the soup. Its deep flavor is the perfect base for the vegetables and meatballs.
- Greens (Spinach or Kale): The greens are essential in this dish for their nutritional value and texture. Spinach is tender and cooks quickly, while kale has a slightly tougher texture and a bit more bite. Both provide a lovely green balance to the savory broth.
- Parmesan Cheese: The sharp, salty flavor of Parmesan is key in creating that “umami” taste. It adds richness and depth to the meatballs, and when sprinkled on top, it gives the soup an extra boost of flavor.
Expert Tips
- Make Meatballs Ahead of Time: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This gives the breadcrumbs time to absorb the moisture and results in juicier meatballs.
- Use Homemade Broth for Extra Flavor: If you have time and want a more personalized taste, consider making your own chicken broth. The homemade version will add an extra layer of richness to the soup.
- Adjust the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out or add extra vegetables according to your taste. Zucchini, peas, or even green beans could be a great addition to this soup.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Meatballs: If you’re making a larger batch, it’s best to bake the meatballs in batches. Overcrowding the pan can cause them to steam rather than brown, which impacts texture.
Recipe Variations
Italian Wedding Soup is highly customizable. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meatballs and opt for plant-based alternatives like lentils or tofu. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, to add texture.
- Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy kick.
Final Words
Italian Wedding Soup is one of those dishes that can be tweaked to fit a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this recipe promises both comfort and flavor. The combination of meatballs, broth, and greens is both satisfying and nutritious, making it perfect for any occasion.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are In Progresso Italian Wedding Soup?
Progresso Italian Wedding Soup typically contains a variety of ingredients such as chicken broth, spinach, meatballs, pasta (usually small pasta like acini di pepe), carrots, onions, and seasonings like garlic and Italian herbs.
Is Progresso Italian Wedding Soup Gluten-free?
Progresso Italian Wedding Soup contains pasta, which is usually made with wheat and is not gluten-free. However, you can modify the recipe by using gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
How Many Servings Does A Can Of Progresso Italian Wedding Soup Provide?
A standard 18.5 oz can of Progresso Italian Wedding Soup provides approximately 2-3 servings, depending on portion size.
Can I Make Progresso Italian Wedding Soup At Home?
Yes, you can make Italian wedding soup at home. A homemade version involves making your own meatballs, using fresh spinach, and creating your own broth base with chicken or beef stock, herbs, and seasonings.
Does Progresso Italian Wedding Soup Contain Any Preservatives?
Progresso Italian Wedding Soup does contain preservatives to maintain freshness, such as sodium benzoate and other stabilizing agents commonly used in canned soups. Always check the label for specific ingredients.
How Can I Enhance The Flavor Of Progresso Italian Wedding Soup?
To enhance the flavor of Progresso Italian Wedding Soup, you can add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, extra herbs like basil or oregano, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor.
Can I Freeze Progresso Italian Wedding Soup?
While freezing is possible, it’s not always recommended for canned soups like Progresso Italian Wedding Soup. The texture of the pasta and meatballs may change when frozen and thawed. If you’re making soup at home, you can freeze the broth and meatballs separately for better results.
How Many Calories Are In Progresso Italian Wedding Soup?
An 18.5 oz can of Progresso Italian Wedding Soup typically contains about 160-200 calories per serving. The exact calorie count can vary depending on the specific product or version of the soup.
Is Progresso Italian Wedding Soup Vegetarian?
No, Progresso Italian Wedding Soup is not vegetarian as it contains meatballs made from beef and pork. However, you can modify the recipe to create a vegetarian version by using plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead Of Fresh In Progresso Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach in Progresso Italian Wedding Soup. Just make sure to thaw and drain the spinach thoroughly before adding it to avoid excess water in the soup.