Italian Wedding Soup is a classic comfort dish that warms the soul with its flavorful broth, hearty meatballs, and nutritious vegetables. Despite its name, this soup isn’t just for weddings; it’s perfect for any occasion when you crave a comforting and nourishing meal. With its aromatic Italian seasonings and tender meatballs, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a bowl of warmth and goodness that will delight your taste buds and bring joy to your table.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 8 ounces ground sausage, casings removed
- 8 ounces ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons lukewarm water
For the Italian Wedding Soup:
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 and 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2/3 cup acini di pepe pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- Approximately 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, with the option to adjust to personal taste preference.
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
- To prepare the meatballs, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and lukewarm water. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.
- Warm up the olive oil in a generously sized soup pot or Dutch oven on medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and beef broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering broth, one by one, and let them cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender.
- Stir in the acini di pepe pasta and continue to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Add the chopped spinach to the soup and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Adjust the seasoning of the soup with salt and black pepper according to personal taste.
- To serve, ladle the Italian Wedding Soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the top for a burst of brightness and flavor.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Italian cuisine with this delightful Italian Wedding Soup. With its tender meatballs, fragrant broth, and vibrant vegetables, this soup is a celebration of comfort and taste. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering with loved ones, this soup is sure to be a hit. So, grab a spoon, savor each spoonful, and let the flavors transport you to Italy with every bite.