Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs Recipe

Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup small pasta (such as acini di pepe or orzo)
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare Meatballs:

1. Mix Meatball Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Form Meatballs:
   • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 25-30 meatballs.
3. Brown Meatballs:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, ensuring they are cooked through. Set aside.

Make the Soup:

4. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery in olive oil until the vegetables are softened.
5. Add Chicken Broth:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Cook Pasta:
   • Add the small pasta to the simmering broth and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
7. Add Spinach:
   • Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and let it wilt in the hot soup.
8. Add Meatballs:
   • Gently add the browned meatballs to the soup. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Finish and Season:
   • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.

Serve:

10. Garnish and Serve Hot:
    • Ladle the Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes:

• Variations: Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for a few days. If you plan to store leftovers, consider keeping the pasta separate to prevent it from becoming too soft when reheated.

This Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of savory meatballs, pasta, and nutritious vegetables in a rich broth makes it a classic and satisfying soup.

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