Homemade Italian Wedding Soup: A Comforting Classic

If you’re searching for an easy Italian wedding soup recipe that warms the soul and delights the palate, look no further. Italian wedding soup, a flavorful combination of tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and hearty broth, is a timeless dish that originates from Italy, though its name may suggest otherwise—it’s called “wedding soup” (minestra maritata) not because it’s served at weddings, but rather because of the delightful marriage of flavors it offers!

This homemade Italian wedding soup from scratch takes traditional ingredients and melding them into a comforting bowl of goodness, ideal for family dinners or gathering with friends. Not only is it delicious, but the unique flavors and textures of this soup make it a dish everyone will want to share. Plus, with options for variations such as a vegan Italian wedding soup, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to diverse dietary preferences. In this guide, we will explore the steps to create this dish, ensuring you can enjoy every savory spoonful.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

To craft this delectable soup, gather the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup:

• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach or Swiss chard, chopped (for a vegan version, stick to traditional greens)
• 1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo; for gluten-free, use quinoa or rice)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional add-ins:
– Fresh herbs (parsley or basil) for garnish
– A squeeze of lemon for extra brightness
– A touch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Equipment List

• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board and chef’s knife
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cooking spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet (for meatballs)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander (for draining pasta)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are combined.
2. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them onto a baking sheet. Keep your hands slightly moistened to avoid sticking.
3. Brown the Meatballs: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs, cooking them until browned on all sides, approximately 7-10 minutes. You may need to do this in batches. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Incorporate the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become tender and fragrant.
5. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6. Add the Meatballs: Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the pot along with the thyme, salt, and black pepper.
7. Incorporate the Pasta: Add the small pasta to the pot, stirring gently. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
8. Add the Greens: Stir in the chopped spinach or Swiss chard, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and vibrant.
9. Check for Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. If using, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
10. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with parsley or basil, along with extra Parmesan, if preferred. The rich aroma of the broth should excite your senses ready for the first mouthful!

Special Notes

• Storing and Reheating: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them. Simply add them to the soup on the day of serving for a quick meal.
• Troubleshooting: If the soup becomes too thick after refrigeration, add more broth or water while reheating to achieve the desired consistency.

Variations and Customizations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the pasta with gluten-free options like rice or quinoa. The flavor will still shine through!
• Vegan: Use plant-based meat substitutes for the meatballs or simply omit them and add more vegetables and beans for added protein. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for that savory flavor.
• Additional Ingredients: Consider including hearty additions such as diced potatoes, zucchini, or cannellini beans for extra nutrition and flavor depth.

Nutritional Information

While the exact values will vary based on ingredients and serving sizes, a typical serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 275
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g

Engaging Visual Details

As you prepare this comforting Italian wedding soup, let the vibrant colors of the ingredients come to life on your stovetop. The rich golden broth filled with small pasta glistens enticingly against the backdrop of bright green spinach. Upon serving, the first sip envelops your senses with warmth, while the tender meatballs create a satisfying contrast. To truly appreciate your creation, consider capturing moments at each stage, from the initial browning of the meatballs to the final presentation in a bowl—perfect for sharing on social media or preserving those home cooking memories.

Conclusion

This wholesome, homemade Italian wedding soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings family and friends together around the dinner table. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it promises to be a recipe you’ll return to time and again. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and dive into the warmth of this delightful soup. Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you tried this recipe, or share your version on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish to inspire others with your culinary creativity!