Introduction

Ina Garten’s Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that perfectly blends flavors and textures. This hearty soup features tender meatballs, dark leafy greens, and small pasta, all simmered in a rich broth. It’s the ideal recipe for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, combining both tradition and warmth in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Chicken broth – 8 cups
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Onion, diced – 1 small
Carrots, diced – 1 medium
Celery, diced – 1 medium
Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
Thyme – 1 teaspoon
Parmesan cheese, grated – 1/2 cup
Baby spinach – 6 cups
Italian parsley, chopped – 1/2 cup
Salt and pepper – to taste
Ground beef – 1/2 pound
Ground pork – 1/2 pound
Breadcrumbs – 1/2 cup
Egg – 1 large
Small pasta – 1 cup

Prep Time

The preparation time for this Italian Wedding Soup is approximately 30 minutes. This includes the time needed to chop vegetables, mix the meatball ingredients, and prepare the broth.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cooking time for this dish is about 45 minutes, bringing the total time to around 1 hour and 15 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, making it a perfect dish for family meals or gatherings with friends.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until thoroughly combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Prepare the Soup Base

In a large pot, heat more olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables are tender. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add the Broth

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer.

Add the Meatballs and Greens

Carefully add the cooked meatballs to the pot. Incorporate the fresh spinach and let it simmer until wilted.

Add Pasta

Stir in the small pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Season the Soup

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Let it simmer for a few more minutes.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Meatball Variations

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Pasta Options

Any small pasta like orzo or ditalini works well, but adjust cooking time as needed.

Freezing Instructions

This soup freezes well. Cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cook techniques

Making Meatballs

Mix together ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, herbs, and spices, then shape into small balls before cooking them until browned.

Simmering Broth

Combine chicken stock, vegetables, and seasonings in a large pot, then bring to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer for flavor development.

Cooking Pasta

Add pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente, then drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Adding Greens

In the final stages of cooking, add fresh greens like spinach or kale to the soup for added nutrition and vibrant color.

Combining Flavors

Once all components are cooked, combine the meatballs, broth, and greens in a pot, allowing the flavors to meld together.

FAQ

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs; just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly until they are fully heated through.

What can I substitute for the greens?

You can substitute with other leafy greens like Swiss chard or even use zucchini spirals for a different texture.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely; it can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for later use.

What type of pasta works best?

Smaller pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or acini di pepe are ideal for this soup.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

This Italian Wedding Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together flavors of savory meatballs, fresh greens, and a rich broth. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. The combination of ingredients not only makes for a delicious meal but also creates a wonderful opportunity to share and enjoy with loved ones.

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