Best 3 The Best Italian Wedding Soup Recipes

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In the realm of hearty and comforting soups, few dishes can rival the Italian Wedding Soup. This classic Italian-American soup is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, featuring tender meatballs, delicate pasta, and a flavorful broth enriched with vegetables, herbs, and cheese. The origin of its intriguing name is a subject of debate, with some suggesting it was inspired by the harmonious combination of ingredients that come together to create a cohesive and balanced soup, much like a well-matched couple in a marriage. Others attribute the name to the tradition of serving this soup at wedding receptions, symbolizing the union of two families. Regardless of its etymological roots, the Italian Wedding Soup has become a beloved dish enjoyed by people of all backgrounds, and this article presents a collection of carefully curated recipes that capture the essence of this culinary masterpiece.

**Recipe 1: Classic Italian Wedding Soup:**

This recipe stays true to the traditional roots of Italian Wedding Soup, featuring homemade meatballs crafted from a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, simmered in a rich broth infused with sautéed vegetables, herbs, and a touch of white wine. Delicate acini di pepe pasta adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender meatballs and hearty vegetables.

**Recipe 2: Vegetarian Italian Wedding Soup:**

For those seeking a meatless variation, this vegetarian version of the Italian Wedding Soup offers a flavorful and satisfying alternative. Meatballs made from a combination of lentils, mushrooms, and vegetables provide a protein-packed base, while the addition of cannellini beans and kale adds depth and texture to the soup.

**Recipe 3: One-Pot Italian Wedding Soup:**

For those short on time or looking for a streamlined cooking experience, this one-pot Italian Wedding Soup is the perfect choice. By utilizing a single pot, this recipe simplifies the cooking process without compromising on flavor. Simply brown the meatballs, sauté the vegetables, and simmer all the ingredients together in one pot for a quick and easy yet delicious meal.

**Recipe 4: Italian Wedding Soup with Spinach and Sausage:**

This recipe adds a delightful twist to the classic Italian Wedding Soup by incorporating spinach and Italian sausage. The spinach provides a vibrant green hue and a boost of nutrients, while the sausage adds a savory and smoky flavor dimension to the soup.

**Recipe 5: Gluten-Free Italian Wedding Soup:**

For those with gluten sensitivities or preferences, this gluten-free rendition of Italian Wedding Soup offers a delectable alternative. Using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free, this recipe allows everyone to enjoy this comforting soup without sacrificing taste.

Let's cook with our recipes!

THE BEST ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP



The Best Italian Wedding Soup image

We tried all-sausage meatballs but found them heavy and dense - adding ground pork keeps them light but still extremely flavorful. Wilting the escarole at the end adds a texture and freshness that you won't get from spinach or a less-sturdy green. If you really want to up the umami factor you can always toss a Parmesan rind into the broth as it simmers, but we didn't miss it when made without.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

3 sprigs thyme
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs oregano
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 large egg, beaten
4 cloves garlic, finely grated
3/4 pound ground pork
3/4 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and meat broken up
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 large bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
1/2 cup white wine
1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta
1/2 head escarole, torn into 2-inch pieces (about 7 cups)
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped

Steps:

  • Combine the thyme, bay, oregano and peppercorns in a 10-inch square of cheesecloth and bring the corners together to create a parcel. Tie it closed with kitchen twine.
  • Stir the panko, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Stir in the cream, egg and half the grated garlic until completely combined.
  • Combine the ground pork and sausage in a large bowl. Pull the ground meat apart with two forks as if you were shredding pulled pork, breaking up the clumps and incorporating the meat without compacting it until thoroughly mixed and no clumps remain.
  • Add the breadcrumb mixture to the meat and use the same pulling technique to mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  • Scoop out portions of the meat mixture with a 1-ounce ice cream scoop (or use two heaping tablespoons). Roll the meat gently between your hands into balls. Arrange the balls on a rimmed baking sheet. You should have about 24 meatballs.
  • Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half the meatballs and cook, turning and rolling occasionally, until they are lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes total. Remove to a plate; the meatballs will not be cooked through, just browned on the outside. Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and add the chicken skin-side down. Cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn the chicken and add the onions, carrots, celery, remaining grated garlic. Season the chicken and vegetables with 1 tablespoon kosher salt and cook, stirring occasionally and scraping up the browned bits, until the vegetables have softened slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and cook until it's almost completely evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add 8 cups water and the cheesecloth parcel and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the chicken is just cooked through, about 30 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken to a plate and let cool slightly. Shred the chicken with two forks, discarding the skin and bones.
  • Meanwhile, add the meatballs and pasta to the broth and simmer until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove the sachet. Stir in the escarole and shredded chicken and continue cooking until the escarole is wilted and tender, about 5 minutes. Serve topped with parsley and grated Parmesan.

ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP



Italian Wedding Soup image

Ina Garten uses chicken meatballs and vegetables in her version of classic Italian Wedding Soup, from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

3/4 pound ground chicken
1/2 pound chicken sausage, casings removed
2/3 cup fresh white bread crumbs
2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving
3 tablespoons milk
1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons good olive oil
1 cup minced yellow onion
1 cup diced carrots (3 carrots), cut into 1/4 inch pieces
3/4 cup diced celery (2 stalks), cut into 1/4 inch pieces
10 cups homemade chicken stock
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup small pasta such as tubetini or stars
1/4 cup minced fresh dill
12 ounces baby spinach, washed and trimmed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • For the meatballs, place the ground chicken, sausage, bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, Pecorino, Parmesan, milk, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a bowl and combine gently with a fork. With a teaspoon, drop 1 to 1 1/4-inch meatballs onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. (You should have about 40 meatballs. They don't have to be perfectly round.) Bake for 30 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside.
  • In the meantime, for the soup, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large heavy-bottomed soup pot. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and saute until softened, 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken stock and wine and bring to a boil. Add the pasta to the simmering broth and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Add the fresh dill and then the meatballs to the soup and simmer for 1 minute. Taste for salt and pepper. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1 minute, until the spinach is just wilted. Ladle into soup bowls and sprinkle each serving with extra grated Parmesan.

ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP I



Italian Wedding Soup I image

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

½ pound extra-lean ground beef
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon onion powder
5 ¾ cups chicken broth
2 cups thinly sliced escarole
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
⅓ cup finely chopped carrot

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

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh vegetables, flavorful broth, and tender meatballs are essential.
  • Don't overcrowd the pot. If you add too many ingredients, the soup will be bland and watery.
  • Simmer the soup for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  • Serve the soup with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread.

Conclusion:

Italian wedding soup is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey. With its combination of savory broth, tender meatballs, and colorful vegetables, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a hearty and flavorful soup, give Italian wedding soup a try. You won't be disappointed!

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