Name: Italian Wedding Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: Serves 6-8
Ingredients: 1 pound ground meat (50% beef, 50% pork); 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken broth (homemade preferred); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3/4 cup small pasta (acini di pepe, orzo, or stelline); 8 cups fresh escarole or spinach, roughly chopped; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form into small meatballs, about 3/4-inch in diameter (you should get approximately 35-40 meatballs). Place on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
Prepare the soup base

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.
Cook the meatballs

Gently drop the chilled meatballs into the simmering broth one by one. Allow the soup to return to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and floating to the top.
Add pasta and greens

Add the pasta to the soup and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the chopped escarole or spinach and stir until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the soup

Ladle the hot soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of meatballs, vegetables, and pasta. Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately with crusty Italian bread if desired.

Italian Wedding Soup

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutritional Information