Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Soup:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup acini di pepe or orzo pasta
• 4 cups chopped greens (spinach, kale, or escarole)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs:
• In a bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until combined. Roll into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch).
• Optional: Sear the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil until browned (they’ll finish cooking in the soup).
2. Prepare the Soup Base:
• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another minute.
• Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
3. Add Pasta and Meatballs:
• Reduce heat to a simmer. Gently add the meatballs to the pot and cook for 5 minutes.
• Stir in the pasta and greens. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through.
4. Season and Serve:
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.
Why It’s Called “Wedding Soup”?
The name comes from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” meaning “married soup,” which refers to the harmony of flavors between the greens and meat, not actual weddings
Italian Wedding Soup: History, Benefits, Nutrition, and Recipe
The History of Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup, or “Minestra Maritata,” has its roots in Italy, although its modern version is largely an Italian-American creation. The name “wedding soup” doesn’t refer to actual weddings but to the “marriage” of flavors between the meat and greens in the soup. The original dish featured rustic, simple ingredients like wild greens and leftover meat, making it a staple for peasants in Southern Italy.
When Italian immigrants arrived in the United States, they adapted the recipe using readily available ingredients like ground meat, escarole, or spinach, and small pasta. Over time, the dish became a beloved comfort food in Italian-American households, often served at family gatherings or special occasions.
Benefits of Italian Wedding Soup
1. Nutritious and Balanced
• Combines protein (meatballs), fiber (greens and vegetables), and carbohydrates (pasta) in one bowl.
• Perfect for a wholesome, well-rounded meal.
2. Immune-Boosting
• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K from leafy greens like spinach or kale.
• The chicken broth provides hydration and soothes the digestive system.
3. Supports Muscle Growth
• Meatballs made with beef, pork, or turkey are packed with protein to aid muscle repair and growth.
4. Low-Calorie Option
• Light yet satisfying, Italian Wedding Soup is perfect for those watching their calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately)
• Calories: 300-350
• Protein: 18-22g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Fat: 12-15g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Vitamins: High in Vitamin A, C, and K
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact recipe and serving size.
Recipe Formation
Italian Wedding Soup is made by combining two key elements:
1. Meatballs – Traditionally small, tender meatballs made from ground beef, pork, or turkey mixed with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasoning.
2. Soup Base – A flavorful broth with greens like spinach or escarole, diced vegetables, and pasta.
These two elements are “married” in a broth, simmering together to infuse the soup with rich, comforting flavors.
Methods to Make Italian Wedding Soup
• For Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground beef or pork (or turkey for a leaner option)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• For Soup:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup acini di pepe or orzo pasta
• 4 cups spinach or kale
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
• Mix all meatball ingredients in a bowl and shape into small 1-inch balls.
• Optionally, sear meatballs in a skillet with olive oil to enhance flavor.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
• In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Build the Soup:
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the meatballs and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in pasta and greens, and cook until pasta is tender.
4. Season and Serve:
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with grated Parmesan and serve hot.
Conclusion
Italian Wedding Soup is more than just a dish—it’s a cultural treasure that embodies the simplicity and warmth of Italian cooking. Its rich history, nutritional benefits, and comforting flavors make it a versatile meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or seeking a hearty, wholesome soup, this timeless recipe will always leave a lasting impression.
Let me know if you’d like me to tweak this recipe for your preferences!