I can’t wait to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you: Little Italy Wedding Soup! It’s a dish that fills my heart (and belly) with warmth, reminiscing about family gatherings where the kitchen was filled with laughter, and the smell of something magical simmering on the stove. Can you picture it? Me neither! But I can assure you, this soup is the next best thing!
Wedding soup holds a special place in my heart because it brings people together. There’s something comforting about the tender little meatballs, the fresh greens, and the hearty broth. Plus, this recipe is super versatile; you can mix and match ingredients based on what you have at home. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl that whispers, “Everything will be alright.”
What’s in Little Italy Wedding Soup?
This delightful soup is simple yet loaded with flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground Meat: You can use beef, pork, or a delicious blend of both. I often go for a mix, as it adds depth to the flavor profile.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together while keeping them tender. I like to use plain breadcrumbs, but if you want to spice things up, seasoned ones work too!
Parmesan Cheese: Ah, the *pièce de résistance!* It adds a delightful, nutty flavor to the meatballs. Freshly grated is always a win if you have it; otherwise, pre-grated will do.
Egg: This acts as a binding agent for the meatballs, giving them the perfect consistency.
Salt and Pepper: Just the essentials to enhance flavor. Go ahead and adjust to your palate!
Garlic Powder: Because everything is better with garlic! It adds that warm, rich aroma that makes you want to dive right in.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings that classic Italian flavor profile— oregano, basil, and thyme, all in one!
Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: Broth is the heart of this dish. I usually gravitate towards low-sodium chicken broth for that supportive flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Acini di Pepe Pasta: These tiny pasta beads are traditional in wedding soup. If you can’t find them, don’t sweat it—any small pasta will do.
Fresh Spinach or Escarole: I prefer spinach for its tender leaves and vibrant color, but escarole offers a slightly bitter note that’s also lovely.
Carrots and Onion: Diced vegetables lend natural sweetness and texture, rounding out the dish beautifully.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it adds richness to the vegetables.
Additional Parmesan: For those who believe more cheese is always the way to go!
Is Little Italy Wedding Soup Good for You?
Absolutely! This soup is not only comforting but also nutritious.
Spinach: Packed with vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium, spinach is a great way to sneak in some healthy greens.
Ground Meat: Provides a good source of protein, and if you opt for lean varieties, it can be part of a balanced diet.
Broth: Using low-sodium broth helps manage salt intake, making this soup heart-healthy.
But, if you’re watching your cholesterol or fat intake, you might want to choose leaner cuts of meat or go meatless with more vegetables and beans!
Ingredients List
This recipe will serve about 6-8 people. Here’s everything you need:
– 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup acini di pepe pasta (or any small pasta)
– 2 cups fresh spinach (or escarole), chopped
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 1/2 cup onion, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Additional grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
How to Make Little Italy Wedding Soup?
Ready to whip up a cozy pot of soup? Let’s do this!
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until combined and form little meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the onions and carrots, sautéing until they’re softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Gently add the meatballs to the pot, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Just don’t overcrowd them; give them some space to shine!
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it all to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, so the flavors have a chance to dance together.
5. Add the acini di pepe (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to package instructions, usually around 7-10 minutes until it’s al dente.
6. Stir in the chopped spinach and let everything simmer for an additional 2 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted and vibrant.
7. Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with more grated Parmesan cheese if you like!
Serve Up with Style!
Just a few notes to elevate your soup experience:
– If you’re prepping ahead, keep the pasta separate until just before serving to prevent it from getting mushy.
– Pair this soup with some crusty Italian bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
– Feel free to add in other veggies like peas or zucchini for additional flavor and nutrition.
I can’t wait for you to bring this recipe into your kitchen and serve it to your family or friends! It’s bound to spark some delightful conversations and create new memories. Don’t forget to share how your Little Italy Wedding Soup turned out! Happy cooking!
