Enter the realm of Italian culinary traditions with a heartwarming and comforting dish that has stood the test of time: Traditional Italian Wedding Soup. This beloved soup, with its delicate meatballs, tender greens, and flavorful broth, carries the essence of Italian heritage and is a cherished part of Italian weddings and family gatherings.
Despite its name, Traditional Italian Wedding Soup is not actually served exclusively at weddings. The term “wedding” refers to the harmonious union of flavors that come together in this delightful soup. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a symphony of taste, showcasing the beauty of Italian cuisine.
At the heart of this soup are the mini meatballs, made with a blend of ground meats, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a medley of herbs and spices. These miniature spheres of goodness, gently simmered in the broth, add a depth of flavor and a tender texture that make each spoonful a delight.
Accompanying the meatballs are tender greens such as escarole, spinach, or kale. These greens provide a fresh and vibrant contrast to the rich meatballs, adding a pleasant bite and a touch of color to the soup. The greens also infuse the broth with their earthy flavors, contributing to the overall complexity of the dish.
The soul of Traditional Italian Wedding Soup lies in its savory broth. Made with a combination of chicken or vegetable stock, the broth is infused with the flavors of onions, garlic, and a hint of aromatic herbs. This golden elixir brings all the elements together, tying the meatballs, greens, and other ingredients into a harmonious and satisfying soup.
Beyond its delightful flavors, Traditional Italian Wedding Soup is steeped in cultural significance. In Italian tradition, this soup is believed to symbolize the union of marriage, with the meatballs representing the bride and groom coming together. It is a dish that speaks of family, love, and celebration—a true embodiment of the Italian spirit.
Today, we will guide you through the art of preparing Traditional Italian Wedding Soup, sharing tips and variations to make it your own. From crafting the perfect meatballs to selecting the ideal combination of greens, we will provide you with all the information needed to recreate this comforting soup in your own kitchen.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 40 min | Servings: 9
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon raisins, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1/2 pound bulk spicy pork sausage
- 2 cartons (32 ounces each) of reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1-1/2 cups cubed rotisserie chicken
- 2/3 cup uncooked acini di pepe pasta
- 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach, cut into thin strips
- Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients. Crumble beef and sausage over the mixture and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1/2-inch. balls.
- In a Dutch oven, brown meatballs in small batches; drain. Add the broth and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Stir in chicken and pasta; cook 5-7 minutes longer or until pasta is tender. Stir in spinach; cook until wilted. Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.
Can you freeze Traditional Italian Wedding Soup?
Before adding cheese, cool the soup. Freeze soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add broth or water if necessary. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 253 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
