Description
This Italian Wedding Soup recipe is a delightful, hearty dish that features tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and comforting pasta in a flavorful broth. It’s perfect for a quick and easy meal that feels special.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Soup:
- 2 carrots, sliced into circles
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 quarts chicken broth
- 1 bag baby spinach or escarole
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying meatballs)
- 1 cup orzo or acini de pepe pasta
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, milk, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and fresh parsley. Mix until well incorporated, then roll into small meatballs (about quarter-sized).
- Sear Meatballs: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs for 30-45 seconds per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot (removing excess oil), add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add sliced carrots and sauté for another 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Make the Broth: Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add seared meatballs back to the pot and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: After simmering, add the pasta and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes until tender.
- Finish the Soup: Remove from heat and stir in the baby spinach (or escarole). Cover for 5 minutes to wilt the greens. Stir again before serving hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meatballs with lentil or chickpea balls.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or green beans for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg