How to Make Delicious Italian Wedding Soup

Wedding soup is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for any occasion, not just weddings. With its delicious meatballs, nutritious veggies, and rich broth, it’s no wonder this soup has become a favorite of many. Though it may seem intimidating to make, it’s actually quite simple and easy to prepare. Here’s how you can make your own Italian wedding soup at home!

To start off, you’ll need to make the meatballs. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and egg in a mixing bowl. Add salt, pepper, and minced garlic for added flavor. Mix everything together until well-combined and form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. Next, heat some olive oil in a large pot and sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft and fragrant. Add in some chicken broth, along with diced tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes. Then, drop the meatballs into the pot and let everything simmer until the meatballs are fully cooked. Finally, add in some baby spinach and let it wilt into the soup. Serve hot with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. Yum!

Ingredients and Preparation

Here’s what you’ll need

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing soup that’s full of flavor, then look no further than Italian wedding soup. It’s a classic recipe that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Here are the ingredients you’ll need and a step-by-step guide on how to make Italian wedding soup.

Ingredients

For the soup:
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 1 pound of ground chicken
– 1 cup of acini di pepe pasta
– 1 cup of diced carrots
– 1/2 cup of diced celery
– 1/2 cup of diced onion
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

For the meatballs:
– 1 pound of ground chicken
– 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook while you prepare the meatballs.
3. In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, egg, and parsley. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Using your hands, form small meatballs about the size of a marble. Drop the meatballs into the soup and let them cook for 8-10 minutes.
5. Add the acini di pepe pasta to the soup and let it cook for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making Perfect Italian Wedding Soup

– Use ground chicken for both the soup and the meatballs. It adds a lighter and leaner texture than using pork or beef.
– When forming the meatballs, don’t pack them too tightly. Gently roll them into small, bite-sized balls.
– To add more depth of flavor to the soup, you can add in some fresh garlic or a splash of red wine while cooking the vegetables.
– Don’t overcook the pasta. Make sure to test it before serving to ensure it’s al dente.
– Garnish with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese before serving. It adds a pop of color and adds another layer of flavor to the soup.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove, adding additional broth or water if necessary.

Ingredients

When it comes to making Italian wedding soup, the ingredients are relatively simple and easy to find. You may even already have a few of them in your pantry or fridge! In this section, we’ll be going over the necessary ingredients for this savory soup.

1. Meatballs
The meatballs are the key ingredient in Italian wedding soup. They can be made with ground beef, pork, or even a combination of both, along with breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
2. Chicken broth
Chicken broth is used as the base for the soup. A good quality, low-sodium chicken broth is preferred. Homemade is best, but store-bought works just fine too.
3. Vegetables
Carrots, celery, garlic, and onions are the classic vegetables in Italian wedding soup. You can also add spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrition.
4. Seasonings
Dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf are the commonly used herbs and seasonings in this soup.
5. Pasta
Small pasta such as orzo, acini di pepe or pastina is typically used.
6. Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is used as a topping for the soup and to flavor the meatballs.
7. Egg
Some recipes call for egg, which is used to help bind the meatballs together.
8. Ground black pepper
It adds some flavor to the soup.
9. Salt
A small amount of salt is added to the meatballs and the soup for seasoning.
10. Olive oil
Olive oil is used to cook the meatballs and the vegetables in the soup.

Ingredients for Italian Wedding Soup

Italian wedding soup is a delicious dish that combines different flavors and textures. This soup is an excellent choice for a cold winter day or a special occasion. Before you start cooking, make sure you have all of the necessary ingredients.

Preparing the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands. Form small meatballs about an inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook meatballs until brown on all sides. Set aside.

Making the Soup Base

In a large pot, heat the chicken broth until boiling. Add carrots, celery, onion, and the cooked meatballs. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are cooked through.

Adding the Pasta

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender, and then remove from heat.

Serving Italian Wedding Soup

Serve the Italian wedding soup in bowls topped with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. This soup can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days, and it reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stove.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Italian wedding soup is a delicious and comforting dish that will warm you up on those cold winter days. With this recipe, you will have a hearty soup which is perfect for any special occasion or just to enjoy on a casual day. Don’t forget to gather all of the ingredients before you start, and follow the steps to make the delicious soup base and meatballs. With some effort and love, you will have a classic Italian soup that you and your family will surely love!

Aah! That’s Good Italian Wedding Soup!

Thanks for reading, I really hope you try out this recipe and enjoy it as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. Maybe next time you could try turkey meatballs or add some red pepper flakes for a little kick. And if you have any tips or tricks you’d like to share, please leave a comment down below! Remember, cooking is all about having fun and exploring new flavors, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to visit again later for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration. Happy cooking!