Italian Wedding Soup I

Italian Wedding Soup I Recipe | Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Italian Wedding Soup is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. This hearty soup is filled with delicious meatballs, vegetables, and pasta, all simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

Italian Wedding Soup gets its name not from actual weddings, but from the perfect "marriage" of flavors in the dish. The origins of the soup are a bit unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Italy and has been enjoyed for generations. Traditionally, the soup is served at weddings as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the newlyweds.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) of lean ground beef
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 tbsp of bread crumbs
1 tbsp of parmesan cheese
0.5 tsp of dried basil
0.5 tsp of onion powder
5.75 cups of chicken broth
2 cups of chopped escarole or spinach
0.5 cup of uncooked orzo pasta
0.33 cup of finely chopped carrots
grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, combine the meat, egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, and onion powder. Shape the mixture into 0.75" balls.
In a large saucepan, heat the broth until it boils. Stir in the spinach, orzo, carrot, and meatballs.
Return the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
Cook at a slow boil for 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Serve with additional sprinkled Parmesan cheese on top.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the soup.
Add in other vegetables such as zucchini, peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Swap out the pasta for rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the meatballs well with herbs and spices for maximum flavor.

- Use homemade chicken broth for the best taste, but store-bought broth works well too.

- Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the hot broth.

- Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables or herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Italian Wedding Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a glass of red wine.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering, Boiling

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef.

- Any small pasta shape can be used in place of orzo.

- Pecorino Romano cheese can be used instead of Parmesan.

Make Ahead Tips

Italian Wedding Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. Serve in individual bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian Wedding Soup pairs well with a light and crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 18g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Vitamin A: 3000IU per serving

Vitamin C: 10mg per serving

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Wheat

Summary

Italian Wedding Soup is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and can be a healthy addition to your diet.

Summary

Italian Wedding Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With flavorful meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a savory broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it with a side of bread and a glass of wine for a complete meal that will warm you from the inside out.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Italian Wedding Soup. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria, who hailed from the beautiful country of Italy. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, the scent of savory herbs and simmering broth filled the air, making my stomach rumble with anticipation.

Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Today, I am going to teach you how to make my family's famous Italian Wedding Soup," she announced, pulling out a tattered recipe card from a worn recipe box. As she began to gather the ingredients and explain the steps, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her graceful movements and the way she seemed to effortlessly create a delicious meal from scratch.

I watched as Maria expertly chopped fresh vegetables, rolled tiny meatballs, and stirred a bubbling pot of broth with a wooden spoon that had been passed down through generations. She shared stories of her childhood in Italy, where her mother and grandmother had taught her the art of cooking with love and precision.

As the soup simmered on the stovetop, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, Maria and I sat down at her rustic wooden table to enjoy a steaming bowl together. The flavors were perfection – the tender meatballs, the al dente pasta, the fragrant broth infused with herbs and spices. Each spoonful was a taste of Italy, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing a homemade meal with loved ones.

After that day, I couldn't wait to recreate Maria's Italian Wedding Soup in my own kitchen. I practiced diligently, making adjustments here and there until I felt confident in my ability to replicate the dish just as she had taught me. And with each batch I made, I thought of Maria and the special bond we shared over a shared love of food and tradition.

Over the years, I have continued to make Italian Wedding Soup for my family and friends, passing down the recipe just as Maria had passed it down to me. It has become a beloved staple in our home, a dish that brings warmth and comfort on cold winter nights and celebrations alike.

As I look back on that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift she gave me – not just a delicious recipe, but a lesson in the power of food to nourish both body and soul. And though she is no longer with us, I know that her spirit lives on in every pot of soup I make, a reminder of the enduring legacy of love and tradition that she so generously shared with me.