Italian Wedding Soup
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: comfort food, Italian soup, Italian Wedding Soup, meatball soup, wedding soup
Meatballs
- ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs for binding the meatballs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan adds flavor to the meatballs
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning for flavor
- ⅛ teaspoon salt to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper for seasoning
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage hot mild or sweet – adds flavor to the meatballs
- 1 large egg for binding the meatballs
Soup
- 1 yellow onion diced adds sweetness to the broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced for aromatic flavor
- 3 carrots peeled and diced for sweetness and texture
- 3 stalks celery diced for a savory base
- 2 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to season the soup
- 6 cups chicken broth for a rich flavorful base
- ½ cup small pasta such as acini de pepe or orzo adds texture
- 4 cups fresh spinach or escarole for added greens
To prepare the meatballs, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Add the ground Italian sausage and egg to the mixture, then use your hands to combine everything evenly. Shape the mixture into approximately 24 small meatballs, about 1 tablespoon each. Set them aside.
Dice the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Add the diced carrots and celery, continuing to sauté until the celery begins to soften, about 4 minutes.
Stir in the Italian seasoning and pour in the chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the soup reaches a boil, gently drop the meatballs into the pot. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
Add the pasta and continue to simmer for 7-9 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot and enjoy!
This soup is a cozy meal perfect for chilly evenings. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the broth is rich and hearty.
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 1646mg | Potassium: 732mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 15mg