Italian wedding soup, also known as minestra maritata, is a comforting and flavorful soup that combines the flavors of Italy in a single bowl. Originating from Southern Italy, this soup is characterized by its combination of small meatballs, vegetables, and a savory broth. It often features ingredients like escarole, spinach, carrots, celery, and onions, along with the delicate flavor of pasta or rice. The resulting soup is a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting lunch. With variations in ingredients and cooking techniques across different regions of Italy, there's no single definitive recipe for Italian wedding soup. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular and delectable recipes for this classic Italian dish, providing you with a range of options to suit your taste and culinary preferences.
Let's cook with our recipes!
EASY ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP
"After one taste, you'll find that this soup is absolutely delicious," promises Paula Sullivan from Barker, New York. "Lean ground beef and reduced sodium broth help keep it light. For variety, substitute garbanzo beans for the kidney beans."
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 55m
Yield 7 servings (about 2 quarts).
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the egg, bread crumbs, parsley, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 3/4-in. meatballs. , Place in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° until no longer pink, 8-10 minutes; drain., Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a large saucepan, saute onion and celery in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the broth, beans and spinach. Stir in pasta, meatballs and remaining salt and pepper. , Cook until spinach is tender and meatballs are heated through. Garnish with remaining Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 205 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 1024mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 17g protein.
EASY ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP
My aunt makes a much more complicated version of this soup (and she won't give me the recipe!), and this is the best recipe I can find in its place. There is a LOT of room for variation, so have fun experimenting! This is the original recipe here. The easiest way to make the meatballs is to roll them into a 3/4 inch "log" and then cut them off in 3/4 inch segments, THEN roll them into meatballs. My sister prefers to brown the meatballs first, but I like them better this way. Also, it is best to add a small portion of meatballs at a time. When the meatballs cook they rise. Once they begin to rise, add more meatballs and stir gently. I also add a clove of garlic to the meatballs and I usually double the breadcrumbs.
Provided by MarineCorpsWife
Categories Clear Soup
Time 45m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, combine the beef, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil and onion.
- Shape mixture into 3/4-inch balls and set aside.
- In a large stockpot heat chicken broth to boiling; stir in the spinach, pasta, carrot and meatballs.
- Return to boil; reduce heat to medium.
- Cook, stirring frequently, at a slow boil for 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente, and meatballs are no longer pink inside.
- Serve hot with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 248.4, Fat 6.7, SaturatedFat 2.5, Cholesterol 89.1, Sodium 1067, Carbohydrate 21.1, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 2.2, Protein 23.8
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make all the difference in your soup. Look for ripe vegetables, flavorful broth, and high-quality meatballs.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: If you add too many ingredients to the pot, the soup will become watery and bland. Add the ingredients in batches, and make sure to stir frequently so that they cook evenly.
- Season to taste: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process, and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or herbs.
- Let the soup simmer: Simmering allows the flavors to develop and meld together. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite toppings: Italian wedding soup is traditionally served with grated Parmesan cheese, crusty bread, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add other toppings, such as chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, or meatballs.
Conclusion:
Italian wedding soup is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a relatively easy soup to make, and it can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious pot of Italian wedding soup that your family and friends will love.
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