Index of Contents
Welcome to our guide on making Italian Wedding Soup, a delicious and comforting dish that combines flavors in a delightful way. This classic Italian soup, known as “minestra maritata,” features tender meatballs, escarole, chicken broth, Parmesan, and pasta in a rich and satisfying broth. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
The name “wedding soup” may sound intriguing, but it actually refers to the marriage of flavors that come together in this dish. The combination of homemade meatballs, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth creates a symphony of taste that will leave you craving for more. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this mouthwatering soup.
Key Takeaways:
- Italian Wedding Soup is a hearty dish that combines meatballs, escarole, chicken broth, Parmesan, and pasta.
- The name “wedding soup” refers to the marriage of flavors in this dish.
- The meatballs are made using a combination of ground beef, ground sausage, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
- The soup is traditionally made with homemade chicken broth, but store-bought broth works well too.
- Serve the soup with warm bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients and Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Italian wedding soup is easier than you might think. Let’s take a look at the list of ingredients and the step-by-step instructions to create this delectable dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground sausage
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley and oregano), chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely minced
- 1/2 cup carrots, finely minced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or acini di pepe)
- 2 cups escarole, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground sausage, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, and fresh herbs. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, and water. If desired, add white wine for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the pasta to the boiling broth and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This typically takes around 8-10 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the baked meatballs and chopped escarole to the pot.
- Simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the escarole to wilt and the meatballs to warm through.
- Serve the Italian wedding soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Now that you have the ingredients and step-by-step instructions, it’s time to start making your own Italian wedding soup. Enjoy the marriage of flavors in every comforting spoonful!
Conclusion
Italian Wedding Soup is a beloved dish that combines the delightful flavors of meatballs, escarole, Parmesan, and pasta in a luscious chicken broth. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a show-stopping addition to your dinner spread, this soup will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
The step-by-step recipe we’ve provided allows you to recreate this classic Italian dish in your own kitchen. The meatballs, made with a combination of ground beef and sausage, are packed with flavor and pair perfectly with the tender escarole and al dente pasta. The Parmesan cheese adds a deliciously rich and nutty element, while the chicken broth forms the base for a robust and savory broth.
Whether you’re serving Italian Wedding Soup for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting bowl of goodness, this recipe is sure to please. Try making a big batch and freezing leftovers for easy meals throughout the week. With every savory spoonful, you’ll be transported to the enchanting flavors of Italy. Prepare this delightful soup and savor the heartwarming flavors of Italian cuisine!
FAQ
What is Italian wedding soup?
Italian wedding soup is a delicious and hearty dish made with tender meatballs, flavorful veggies, and pasta in a rich broth. The name “wedding soup” comes from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata” which means married soup, symbolizing the marriage of flavors in this dish.
What are the traditional ingredients in Italian wedding soup?
The traditional ingredients in Italian wedding soup include ground beef, ground sausage, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, fresh herbs, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, beef broth, water, white wine (optional), pasta, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese for serving.
How do you make meatballs for Italian wedding soup?
To make meatballs for Italian wedding soup, you combine ground beef, ground sausage, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and seasonings. The mixture is then rolled into small balls and baked until browned and cooked through.
How do you make Italian wedding soup?
To make Italian wedding soup, you sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened. Then you add chicken broth, beef broth, water, white wine (optional), pasta, and meatballs. The soup is cooked until the pasta is al dente. Finally, you stir in spinach and simmer until wilted. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Can I make Italian wedding soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Italian wedding soup ahead of time. The meatballs can be made and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. The soup can also be prepared ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for meal prepping or entertaining.
Source Links
- https://www.cookingclassy.com/italian-wedding-soup/
- https://www.evolvingtable.com/italian-wedding-soup/
- https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/italian-wedding-soup.html