Italian wedding soup is a classic Italian-American dish consisting of a flavorful broth, small meatballs, pasta, and leafy greens. Despite its name, it’s not typically served at weddings in Italy; the name “wedding soup” is believed to be a mistranslation of the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” which means “married soup” and refers to the harmonious combination of flavors in the dish.
Here’s a basic recipe for Italian wedding soup:
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 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the soup:
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (such as acini di pepe or orzo)
- 4 cups chopped leafy greens (such as spinach, kale, or escarole)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
- Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering broth and cook for about 10 minutes, until cooked through.
- Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped leafy greens and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your homemade Italian wedding soup! Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your taste preferences.
