Description
Italian Wedding Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl. This classic dish brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to your kitchen, blending delicate mini meatballs with tender pasta and vibrant greens. It is the kind of meal that feels like a gentle hug on a cold day, reminding us that simple, high-quality ingredients truly create the best nourishment. Known as minestra maritata, this harmonious marriage of flavors is a nutritious, balanced meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
8 oz lean ground beef
8 oz lean ground turkey
1/2 cup fresh white bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 tsp minced fresh oregano
1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan
1 large egg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp olive oil (for soup)
1 1/4 cups carrots, diced small
1 1/4 cups yellow onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup celery, diced small
4 cloves garlic, minced
72 oz low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup dry acini di pepe or orzo pasta
6 oz fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
Additional parmesan, for serving
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, turkey, bread crumbs, parsley, oregano, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Shape the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides, then set aside.
In a large pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add carrots, onion, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Add the acini di pepe or orzo pasta and meatballs to the pot, simmering until pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted.
Serve hot, finished with a generous sprinkle of shredded parmesan.
Notes
Ensure you roll the meatballs quite small, about the size of a marble, to keep them delicate and easy to eat. You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and keep them refrigerated before cooking to save time during busy evenings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg