**Italian Wedding Soup:** A Culinary Symphony of Comfort and Tradition
Indulge in the warmth and savoriness of Italian wedding soup, a classic dish that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine. Originating from Southern Italy, this hearty soup has become a beloved symbol of celebration, often served at weddings and special occasions. Its name, "wedding soup," is a testament to its ability to bring people together, just like a joyous wedding feast.
This flavorful soup showcases a harmonious blend of tender meatballs, enriched with ground beef, aromatic Italian sausage, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. These meatballs are lovingly simmered in a rich broth brimming with fresh vegetables, including carrots, celery, and onions, along with the vibrant flavors of garlic, oregano, and basil.
Enhancing the symphony of flavors are juicy tomatoes, adding a burst of sweetness and acidity. The addition of tiny pasta, either acini di pepe or orzo, introduces a delicate texture that dances on your palate.
As you savor each spoonful of Italian wedding soup, you'll be captivated by its comforting warmth, the symphony of flavors, and the essence of Italian tradition. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a delightful appetizer or as a satisfying main course. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a comforting meal, Italian wedding soup promises to deliver a culinary experience that will leave you feeling cherished and content.
**Additional Recipe Variations:**
1. **Vegetarian Italian Wedding Soup:** For a meatless twist, replace the meatballs with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
2. **Spinach and Sausage Italian Wedding Soup:** Incorporate the vibrant flavors of spinach and Italian sausage into the soup for a hearty and flavorful variation.
3. **Creamy Italian Wedding Soup:** Add a touch of creaminess to the soup by stirring in some heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
4. **Tortellini Italian Wedding Soup:** Swap out the acini di pepe or orzo for tortellini, creating a delectable soup filled with cheese-filled pasta.
5. **Roasted Vegetable Italian Wedding Soup:** Roast a medley of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and broccoli, and add them to the soup for a colorful and nutrient-packed twist.
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP
Tender meatballs, veggies, and pasta in a rich and flavorful broth, Italian wedding soup is a meal unto itself.
Provided by Jennifer Segal
Categories Dinner
Time 1h20m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- Make the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set an oven-proof roasting rack over top. Spray the rack generously with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg with the chives, sage and garlic. Add the remaining meatball ingredients and mash with your hands until evenly combined. Roll the mixture into tablespoon-size balls, about 1 inch in diameter (it will make approximately 50 meatballs), and place on the prepared rack. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, start the soup. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes. Add the chicken broth, beef broth, water, wine, bay leaf, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, uncovered, at a gentle boil until the pasta is al dente, 8 to 10 minutes (or according to package directions). Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Reduce the heat to low and add the spinach and meatballs. Simmer for a few minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the meatballs are warmed through. Ladle into bowls and serve with grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months but wait until you reheat the soup to add the pasta. Defrost the soup in the refrigerator for 12 hours and then reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until simmering, add the pasta, and cook until the pasta is tender.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 359, Fat 22 g, Carbohydrate 16 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sugar 5 g, Fiber 2 g, Sodium 930 mg, Cholesterol 83 mg
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP I
Coming from Rhode Island, a very ethnic state, this soup was traditionally served at Italian weddings. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
Provided by Star Pooley
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes
Time 50m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In medium bowl, combine meat, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil and onion powder; shape into 3/4 inch balls.
- In large saucepan, heat broth to boiling; stir in escarole, orzo pasta, chopped carrot and meatballs. Return to boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cook at slow boil for 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 416.3 calories, Carbohydrate 43.3 g, Cholesterol 86.8 mg, Fat 14.2 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 27.3 g, SaturatedFat 5.3 g, Sodium 1211 mg, Sugar 4 g
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP
Provided by Valerie Bertinelli
Time 45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- For the meatballs: Put the bread, garlic, onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a food processor and pulse until very finely ground. Add the parsley and pulse until finely chopped. Add the egg and pulse until combined. Add the beef, pork and Parmesan and pulse until very well mixed. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, transferring them to the prepared baking sheet.
- For the soup: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large, wide pot over medium-high heat. Add half of the meatballs and cook, stirring gently occasionally, until browned on most sides and just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the meatballs to the baking sheet (they will cook again so don't worry about contamination). Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
- Add the carrot, celery and onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth, Parmesan rind if using, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and bring to a brisk simmer. Add the pasta or couscous and cook according to the package instructions for al dente.
- Add the escarole and meatballs to the soup and return to a simmer. Simmer until the escarole is slightly wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove the Parmesan rind and discard. Sprinkle with the parsley and top with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Serve with more Parmesan on the side.
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP
For a warm bowl of Italian comfort, try Giada De Laurentiis' Italian Wedding Soup recipe, studded with tasty little beef-pork meatballs.
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories appetizer
Time 35m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- To make the meatballs: Stir the first 6 ingredients in a large bowl to blend. Stir in the cheese, beef and pork. Using 1 1/2 teaspoons for each, shape the meat mixture into 1-inch-diameter meatballs. Place on a baking sheet.
- To make the soup: Bring the broth to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and curly endive and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and the curly endive is tender, about 8 minutes. Whisk the eggs and cheese in a medium bowl to blend. Stir the soup in a circular motion. Gradually drizzle the egg mixture into the moving broth, stirring gently with a fork to form thin stands of egg, about 1 minute. Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve. Finish soup with parmesan cheese if desired.
CALIFORNIA ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP
This is my variation of a standard recipe. I like fresh basil and a little lemon rind, so those are basically my only changes. This is a quick and easy soup with flavors that impress all.
Provided by DPATEL
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Beef Soup Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Mix together the meat, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil, parsley, and green onions; shape into 3/4 inch balls.
- Pour broth into a large saucepan over high heat. When boiling, drop in meatballs. Stir in escarole, lemon zest and orzo. Return to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cook at a slow boil for 10 minutes or until orzo is tender, stirring frequently. Serve sprinkled with cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 158.9 calories, Carbohydrate 15.4 g, Cholesterol 55.3 mg, Fat 5.6 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 11.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 98.6 mg, Sugar 1.1 g
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the flavor of your soup. Look for fresh vegetables, herbs, and meat.
- Don't crowd the pot: If you add too many ingredients to the pot at once, they won't cook evenly. Add the ingredients in batches, if necessary.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, not a boil: A simmer is a gentle bubbling, while a boil is a more vigorous bubbling. Simmering the soup will help to develop the flavors without overcooking the ingredients.
- Season the soup to taste: Taste the soup as you're cooking it and add salt, pepper, and other seasonings as needed.
- Serve the soup hot: Italian wedding soup is best served hot, with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion:
Italian wedding soup is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a relatively easy soup to make, and it can be made ahead of time. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights. With its combination of flavorful broth, tender meatballs, and hearty vegetables, Italian wedding soup is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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