Classic Italian Wedding Soup Recipe You’ll Love

Discover the Comfort of Italian Wedding Soup: A Heartwarming Recipe

As autumn arrives and days shorten, nothing warms the heart like a bowl of Italian wedding soup. My grandmother’s kitchen was filled with the smell of broth and meatballs. It brought back memories of family gatherings and special moments.

Now, I’m thrilled to share this classic recipe with you. It’s a tradition that brings warmth and nostalgia to your home.

Key Takeaways

• Authentic Italian wedding soup recipe featuring homemade meatballs in a flavorful broth
• Total preparation time of 50 minutes, with 20 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking
• Serves 4 people, providing a hearty and comforting meal
• Versatile recipe allowing for ingredient substitutions like ground turkey or spinach
• Nutrition information includes 359 calories, 22 grams of fat, and 23 grams of protein per serving

The Story Behind Italian Wedding Soup

Italian wedding soup, also known as “minestra maritata,” has a rich history in Italy. It’s not served at weddings, despite its name. Instead, it symbolizes the perfect mix of meat and vegetables in a broth.

This soup has roots in traditional Italian cooking. It shows how Italian cooks used leftover meat and greens to make tasty meals. Over time, the recipe changed, with American versions having smaller meatballs and lighter broth.

Italian wedding soup is loved as a comfort food, especially in cold weather. It’s enjoyed as a starter or main dish. Its popularity has made it a key part of Italian-American cuisine.

“Italian wedding soup is a traditional dish suitable for any occasion,” explains Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis.

The history and love for Italian wedding soup show Italian cooks’ skill. From humble beginnings to a favorite dish worldwide, it wins hearts and tastes.

The traditional soup didn’t have meatballs, unlike the American version. But, ground chicken or turkey is used for smaller, tastier meatballs. They fit perfectly with the soup’s broth and veggies.

The evolution of Italian wedding soup shows Italian cuisine’s adaptability. It blends old flavors with new tastes, appealing to both Italian and American eaters.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Soup

Making the ultimate Italian Wedding Soup needs the right ingredients. The soup base and meatballs are key to the perfect taste. Let’s look at the must-haves for this classic dish.

Base Ingredients

The soup starts with a mix of chicken and beef broths. This gives it a rich flavor. Onions, carrots, celery, and white wine add to the taste. A bay leaf and olive oil complete it.

Meatball Components

The meatballs are the soup’s highlight. Use ground beef and Italian sausage for the best taste. An egg, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese hold it together.

For real Italian flavor, add garlic, chives, sage, salt, and pepper. Small pasta shapes and fresh greens like spinach add texture and nutrition.

Choosing these ingredients carefully makes a soup base that’s rich and flavorful. It’s perfect for the meatballs and other parts of this classic Italian Wedding Soup recipe.

By carefully selecting and blending these essential ingredients, we can create a soup base that is rich, flavorful, and perfectly suited for the meatballs and other components of this classic Italian Wedding Soup recipe.

Making the Perfect Mini Meatballs

Creating the delightful mini meatballs is key to an authentic Italian wedding soup. Our recipe makes about 50 mini meatballs, each 1 inch in diameter. They’re perfect for the classic soup. To get the right texture and flavor, we mix ground sausage, ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of water.

The secret to homemade meatballs is gentle handling. Roll the mixture into small balls, about a quarter size. Be careful not to press them too hard. This way, the Italian meatball recipe gives you tender, juicy meatballs that are a joy to eat.

You have two meatball cooking techniques to choose from. For a crispy outside, sear the meatballs in hot oil for 30-45 seconds on each side. Then, add them to the soup. Or, bake them at 350°F for 15-18 minutes on a greased rack. This method gives a slightly softer texture.

“The key to delicious mini meatballs is to handle the mixture gently and avoid overworking the meat. This ensures a tender, juicy texture that melts in your mouth.”

With these tips, you’ll make the perfect mini meatballs for your Italian wedding soup. Enjoy the mix of savory meatballs, fresh greens, and comforting broth in every spoonful.

Creating the Rich Soup Base

Making the perfect Italian wedding soup begins with a flavorful homemade soup base. We mix chicken and beef broths with a bit of white wine (optional) and water. This mix balances the savory broths with the wine’s subtle complexity, creating a comforting yet refined soup base.

Broth Preparation

In a large pot, we sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, we add garlic and cook until it’s fragrant, adding its warm aroma to the broth.

Next, we pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, 4 cups of beef broth, and 2 cups of water. We add a bay leaf, salt, and pepper, letting the flavors mix and the soup simmer gently.

Cooking Techniques

When the broth simmers, we add homemade meatballs and small pasta like acini di pepe or ditalini. We cook the pasta until it’s al dente, keeping it with a delightful bite. At the end, we stir in fresh greens like spinach or kale to keep their color and texture vibrant.

By using these Italian soup techniques, we make a flavorful broth. This homemade soup base, with tender meatballs and delicate pasta, makes a comforting and satisfying dish.

“The secret to a truly exceptional Italian wedding soup lies in the care and attention given to the broth. By layering the flavors and employing traditional techniques, we can craft a soup base that’s the perfect canvas for the rest of the dish.”

Italian Wedding Soup Step-by-Step Guide

Making Italian Wedding Soup is a fun journey that ends with a delicious, comforting dish. Follow our guide to learn how to make this beloved soup:

1. Start by making the mini meatballs. Mix 12 ounces of ground meat, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/2 cup each of Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, and seasonings. Shape into meatballs, about 3/4-inch to 1 1/2-inch in size, making 20 to 30.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Then, remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Pour in 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a boil. Then, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Return the cooked meatballs to the broth and let them cook for 15 more minutes, so flavors can meld.
6. If using, add 3/4 cup of cooked small pasta, like orzo, and cook for 8-10 minutes, until tender.
7. Add 6 cups of torn greens, such as escarole, and let them wilt for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the Italian Wedding Soup hot, topped with grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Enjoy this comforting dish!

This recipe makes about 75 mini meatballs and 10 cups of soup, good for 6-8 servings. It takes about 30-40 minutes to cook, depending on meatball and pasta size.

The Italian Wedding Soup is a true delight, with savory meatballs, tender greens, and a rich broth. By following this guide, you can make a homemade Italian soup that will warm your soul and impress everyone.

Pasta and Greens Selection

Creating the perfect Italian wedding soup starts with choosing the right pasta and greens. You can stick to the classic or try new flavors. There are many tasty options to discover.

Pasta Options

The traditional pasta is acini de pepe, small and perfect for the soup. But you can also use orzo, ditalini, or pearl couscous. Choose 1 cup of small pasta for the best mix of textures.

Fresh Greens Choices

Escarole is the classic green, with a unique taste. But you can also try spinach, chard, or other greens. Use 3-4 cups of chopped greens, adding them at the end to keep their texture and nutrients.

Trying different pasta and greens can make your Italian wedding soup even better. You can keep it traditional or mix things up. The goal is to find the perfect mix of flavors and textures.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Enjoying Italian wedding soup doesn’t have to stop after the first serving. You can enjoy leftovers for days with the right storage and reheating. Follow these tips to keep your soup fresh and flavorful.

For leftovers storage, keep the soup in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When freezing, leave out the pasta to avoid it getting too soft.

For reheating methods, add some extra broth if the soup seems dry. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until it simmers. If frozen, thaw it in the fridge first for even heating.

For the best taste and texture, cook pasta separately. Add it to your soup when reheating. This meal prep trick keeps pasta al dente, making every spoonful a delight.

“Properly storing and reheating Italian wedding soup can make all the difference in savoring its comforting flavors for days to come.”

Conclusion

Italian wedding soup is a timeless dish that brings comfort. It combines tender meatballs, fresh veggies, and pasta in a tasty broth. This hearty soup is a delight for the senses.

It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Try our homemade Italian soup for a satisfying experience.

Our recipe is versatile, letting you experiment with ingredients. You can swap greens or try different meats. It’s a true comfort food that captures the essence of Italian cuisine.

So, why not gather your loved ones for a cozy Italian wedding soup dinner? It’s a dish with a rich history and endless possibilities for customization. It’s sure to become a cherished part of your culinary traditions.