Italian Wedding Soup

This Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this soup brings warmth and comfort to the table. The adorable meatballs, mini pasta, and fresh spinach swim in a rich broth, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: This soup combines savory meatballs with fresh spinach and delicate pasta, creating a flavor profile that warms the soul.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or an appetizer; this soup fits perfectly into any meal plan.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the meatballs and vitamins from the spinach, you’re serving up health with every bowl.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun shape of acini di pepe pasta and the tasty meatballs, making this dish a family favorite.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Italian Wedding Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup and ensuring even heat distribution.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients when making the meatballs.
• Baking sheet: Useful for roasting or setting aside meatballs before adding them to the soup.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create your Italian Wedding Soup:

For the Meatballs

• 1/2 lb ground beef and beef mix
• 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 carrot (diced)
• 1/2 onion (diced)
• 1 rib celery (diced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup acini di pepe
• 3 cups spinach (chopped)
• salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until well combined. Form small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
3. Place them on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the meatballs to the pot in batches. Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove meatballs from pot and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

1. In the same pot with leftover oil, add diced carrot, onion, and celery.
2. Sauté vegetables until tender (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
2. Add acini di pepe pasta to boiling broth; cook according to package instructions.
3. Once pasta is al dente, return meatballs to pot along with chopped spinach.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until spinach wilts.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.

Enjoy your cozy bowl of Italian Wedding Soup!

How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Here are some creative ways to serve this hearty soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf complements the soup beautifully. You can slice it and serve it alongside for dipping.

Add a Fresh Salad

• A light, fresh salad can balance the richness of the soup. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top right before serving to enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.

Serve with Cheese

• Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle on their soup, adding an extra layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Italian Wedding Soup

To ensure your Italian Wedding Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavor of your soup significantly.
• Don’t overcook the meatballs: Cook them just until they are browned and cooked through to keep them tender.
• Season well: Taste your broth as it simmers; adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance the overall taste.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for at least 30 minutes helps meld all the flavors together.
• Add spinach at the end: Stir in fresh spinach just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread infused with garlic butter is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offers a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add depth and sweetness to your meal.
4. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese provides a comforting side that pairs well with the soup.
5. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses can create a festive starter.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, vegetables, or ground beef make for a hearty addition to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Many home cooks overlook the importance of meatball size. Making meatballs too large can lead to uneven cooking. Aim for small, uniform sizes for best results.
• Failing to season the broth properly is a common error. Always taste your chicken broth before adding extra salt or seasoning; this prevents overpowering flavors.
• Not using enough fresh vegetables can result in a lackluster soup. Include plenty of diced carrots, celery, and onions for added flavor and nutrition.
• Skipping the sautéing step for vegetables may lead to blandness. Sautéing enhances their flavors, so take the time to cook them before adding the broth.
• Forgetting to cook pasta separately can lead to mushy noodles. Cook acini di pepe al dente and add it just before serving to maintain texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Italian Wedding Soup in airtight containers.
• It will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Freezing Italian Wedding Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Italian Wedding Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until the soup is heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Italian Wedding Soup?
Italian Wedding Soup is a hearty dish featuring flavorful meatballs, fresh vegetables, and tiny pasta in a savory chicken broth.

Can I use different meats in Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or lamb for beef if desired. Each option offers a unique flavor profile.

How do I customize my Italian Wedding Soup?
Feel free to add your choice of vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or adjust seasonings based on your preferences.

Is it possible to make Italian Wedding Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace meatballs with plant-based options and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze portions for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Its versatility allows you to personalize it according to your taste preferences. Whether you stick with traditional ingredients or add your own twist, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.