How to create hearty Italian wedding soup

How to create hearty Italian wedding soup

How to Create Hearty Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a delicious and comforting dish loved by many. Despite the name, this soup isn’t traditionally served at Italian weddings. Instead, it’s called “wedding soup” because of the way its ingredients—meat and greens—combine beautifully, like a perfect harmony or “marriage.”

If you’ve been craving a warm bowl of hearty soup that’s packed with flavor, Italian Wedding Soup is just the dish to try. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this classic recipe in simple English. Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking—it’s easy to make and absolutely worth the effort!


Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this soup, you’ll need a handful of basic ingredients. Here’s a list of everything you need:

For the Meatballs:

  • Ground meat: 1 pound (500 grams) of any meat you like; ground pork, beef, chicken, or turkey work well.
  • Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (to add some texture to the meatballs).
  • Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup (grated, for extra flavor).
  • Egg: 1 large egg (to bind the ingredients together).
  • Garlic: 1 clove (chopped or minced).
  • Parsley: 2 tablespoons (finely chopped).
  • Salt and pepper: A pinch of each.

For the Soup:

  • Chicken broth: 6 cups (homemade or store-bought—it’s the base of the soup).
  • Carrots: 2 medium-sized carrots (peeled and chopped into small chunks).
  • Celery: 2 stalks (chopped into small pieces).
  • Onion: 1 small onion (chopped finely).
  • Spinach or escarole: 3 cups (or more, depending on your preference; fresh greens only).
  • Pasta: About 1 cup of small pasta, like orzo or ditalini.
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (for sautéing vegetables).
  • Parmesan cheese: Extra grated cheese for topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get started on cooking the soup!

1. Make the Meatballs

The meatballs are the star of Italian Wedding Soup! Here’s how to prepare them:

  1. Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spatula to mix everything together evenly. Don’t overmix, as that can make the meatballs tough.
  2. Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. This soup is known for its petite meatballs, so keep them bite-sized.
  3. Set aside: Place the meatballs on a plate or a baking sheet and keep them aside while you prepare the soup.

2. Prepare the Soup Base

You’ll need a pot to start cooking the soup. Here’s how to create the flavorful base:

  1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Stir occasionally and cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add chicken broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Stir and bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

3. Cook the Meatballs

Once the soup is simmering, it’s time to cook the meatballs directly in the broth:

  1. Drop the meatballs: Carefully add the meatballs to the soup one by one. They’ll cook quickly in the hot broth.
  2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes. The meatballs should be cooked through and tender.

4. Add the Pasta

To make the soup even heartier, add small pasta like orzo or ditalini.

  1. Cook the pasta: Add the pasta directly to the pot and cook according to the package’s instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
  2. Watch the liquid: If the soup seems too thick, you can add a little extra chicken broth during this step.

5. Add the Greens

The final ingredient in Italian Wedding Soup is fresh greens, which add brightness and nutrition.

  1. Add spinach or escarole: Stir the greens into the soup and cook for 1-2 minutes. They’ll wilt quickly in the hot broth but still hold their color and flavor.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning: Add salt and pepper as needed to suit your taste.

Serve and Enjoy

Your Italian Wedding Soup is ready to be served! Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. If you like, serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.


Tips for Success

  1. Make-ahead meatballs: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to use them.
  2. Swap the greens: If you can’t find spinach or escarole, kale or Swiss chard work just as well.
  3. Use homemade broth: If you have the time to make chicken broth from scratch, your soup will taste even richer.
  4. Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra kick.

Italian Wedding Soup is more than just a bowl of soup—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With soft meatballs, tender pasta, fresh greens, and a fragrant broth, it’s the perfect dish for chilly days or anytime you need a comforting meal. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, this soup is guaranteed to make your day a little brighter. Happy cooking!

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