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Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup
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Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting Italian-American classic combining tender meatballs, fresh greens, small delicate pasta, and savory chicken broth for a rich yet light soup perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef and pork mix
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

Soup Base

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 6 cups chicken broth

Pasta and Greens

  • 1/2 cup small pasta (acini di pepe or orzo)
  • 4 cups fresh greens (escarole or spinach)

Garnishes

  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground meat with finely chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and the beaten egg. Mix thoroughly, then form into small, bite-sized meatballs.
  2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly brown the meatballs until just cooked through, creating a flavorful crust while keeping them tender. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the Broth: In a large pot, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until soft and fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer to create the flavorful soup base.
  4. Cook Pasta and Greens: Add the small pasta and fresh greens to the simmering broth. Cook until the pasta is tender and the greens are just wilted to maintain their bright color and texture.
  5. Combine and Serve: Gently add the browned meatballs back into the pot to warm through. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the soup topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a perfect finishing touch.

Notes

  • Make meatballs small—around one inch—to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
  • Use fresh parsley and basil for brighter flavor rather than dried herbs.
  • Simmer the soup gently to keep broth clear and meatballs tender.
  • Use homemade chicken broth if possible for the richest, most authentic taste.
  • Add greens towards the end of cooking to preserve color and nutrients.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Wedding Soup, meatballs, Italian soup, comfort food, pasta soup, healthy soup, traditional Italian

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/italian-wedding-soup/