Italian Wedding Soup is a warm and cozy dish that brings together small meatballs, veggies, and tasty broth. It’s like a big hug in a bowl!
Honestly, what’s not to love about tiny meatballs swimming happily with greens? I often add some crusty bread on the side for dipping. So good! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef & Pork: The combo of these two adds flavor and richness to the meatballs. You can swap pork for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. I love using a mix for balance!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice salty kick. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan. Both bring a cheesy vibe without the dairy.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts nicely in the soup. If you don’t have it, kale or Swiss chard can work too, but be sure to chop them finely to keep the texture pleasant.
Pasta: Acini di pepe gives a traditional feel. Orzo works well too! You can also swap in gluten-free pasta if needed, just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
How Do I Shape Meatballs Without Making a Mess?
Shaping meatballs can be sticky, but here’s a trick! Wet your hands with a little water before forming the meatballs, which keeps the mixture from sticking.
- Gently combine your meat mixture in your bowl.
- Grab a small amount and roll it between your palms to shape a ball.
- Try to make them uniform in size, about 3/4 inch.
This way, they’ll cook evenly and look nice in your soup!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Meatballs in Broth?
When adding meatballs to boiling broth, make sure the broth isn’t at a rolling boil—this prevents them from breaking apart. Lower the heat to a simmer and gently drop them in.
- Cook the meatballs for about 5 minutes until they turn firm.
- Stir carefully to avoid breaking them.
- Once they are mostly cooked, add your vegetables and other ingredients.
This helps keep the soup hearty and keeps all those flavors mingling beautifully!
Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/3 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup:
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup small pasta (such as acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Italian Wedding Soup will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. That includes time for mixing meatballs, chopping veggies, and letting it all simmer. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently combine until everything is mixed but don’t overdo it to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
With your hands, take small amounts of the meat mixture and roll them into bite-sized meatballs, about 3/4 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray for easy handling later.
3. Prepare the Soup Base:
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering broth. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until they are mostly cooked through. This allows them to absorb all those delicious flavors!
5. Add Vegetables:
Now, toss in the diced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until the veggies are nice and tender.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Next, stir in the small pasta of your choice and continue to cook according to the package instructions, usually for around 7-10 minutes, until it’s al dente.
7. Finish with Spinach:
Finally, add the chopped spinach into the soup and simmer for an additional 2 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted and vibrant.
8. Season and Serve:
Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese as a finishing touch. Pair it with some crusty bread if you’re craving a little extra!
Your comforting, traditional Italian Wedding Soup is now ready to enjoy. Buon Appetito!
Can I Use All Beef Instead of Mixing with Pork?
Absolutely! You can use all ground beef if you prefer a single meat flavor. Just be mindful that the texture might be a bit firmer compared to the mix of beef and pork.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No worries! You can use frozen spinach instead. Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before adding it to the soup to avoid excess moisture. You can substitute with other leafy greens like kale if you’d like!
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time! Just make the meatballs and cook the soup, but add the pasta during reheating to prevent it from getting mushy. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days.
How Can I Make It Gluten-Free?
Simply substitute the Italian bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, make sure to use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish entirely gluten-free!
