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Italian Wedding Soup has a mix of fresh and hearty flavors. Here are the main ingredients you will need: - 1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo) - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup carrots, diced - 1/2 cup celery, diced - 6 cups chicken broth - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for sautéing These ingredients come together to create a warm, comforting soup. You can change up the ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas: - Use different pasta shapes like ditalini or stars. - Swap ground beef for chicken, pork, or sausage for a new twist. - Add diced zucchini or bell peppers for extra veggies. - Try different herbs like thyme or basil for unique flavors. These variations keep the soup fresh and exciting! If you have allergies or preferences, here are some swaps you can make: - For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta and broth. - Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. - Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free option. - If you dislike spinach, kale or Swiss chard can work well. These substitutions let everyone enjoy this tasty soup! To start, grab a large bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Next, add 1 large beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix everything well. Then, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. Set these aside on a plate. Now, take a large pot and heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small chopped onion, 1/2 cup of diced carrots, and 1/2 cup of diced celery. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften and become fragrant. This step adds a great base flavor to your soup. Next, add the meatballs to the pot. Cook them until they are browned on all sides, which takes about 5 minutes. Once browned, pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. After it boils, add 1 cup of small pasta, like acini di pepe or orzo. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Finally, stir in 2 cups of fresh chopped spinach and 1/2 cup of chopped parsley. Let them wilt in the hot soup for 2-3 minutes. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Your Italian wedding soup is now ready to enjoy! To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley adds bright taste. A splash of lemon juice can bring out all the flavors. Don't forget salt and pepper! Taste as you go to find the perfect balance. Cook the pasta last. Add it to the soup when you bring it to a boil. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft. If you use smaller pasta, like acini di pepe, it cooks fast. Check it after 10 minutes for doneness. Serve in wide bowls for a beautiful look. Add extra Parmesan cheese on top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it pop. Pair with a slice of crusty bread. It completes the meal and looks great! {{image_2}} You can make Italian Wedding Soup vegetarian. Swap the meat with plant-based protein. Use lentils or chickpeas instead. This keeps the soup hearty and filling. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for depth. The taste will still shine with herbs and veggies. While ground beef or turkey is common, feel free to switch it up. You can use chicken or pork for different flavors. Each meat brings its unique taste. For broth, chicken broth is standard, but beef broth adds richness. Seafood broth offers a fun twist, too. Adding seasonal vegetables makes this soup burst with flavor. In spring, toss in fresh peas or asparagus. In fall, add squash or sweet potatoes. These veggies not only enhance taste but also boost nutrition. Get creative and use what’s fresh at your market! After enjoying your Italian wedding soup, let it cool first. Then, put it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze your soup, use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top, as soup can expand when frozen. Label each container with the date. Your soup can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, use a pot on the stove for even heating. Stir it often to prevent sticking. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also use the microwave, but heat in short bursts and stir in between. This way, your soup will taste fresh and delicious! Italian Wedding Soup does not come from weddings. The name means "married" in Italian. It refers to the blend of flavors. This soup mixes greens and meat. It likely comes from Southern Italy. Many families have their own recipes. Each recipe shows local tastes and traditions. The soup became popular in America. It is a favorite at gatherings and family meals. Yes, you can make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time. This soup tastes great after sitting for a while. The flavors blend and get richer. To make it ahead, follow the recipe. Store it in the fridge for a few days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just remember to cook the pasta separately. This keeps it from getting mushy when reheating. To make Italian Wedding Soup gluten-free, choose the right pasta. Look for gluten-free small pasta options, like rice pasta. Also, check the chicken broth for gluten. Many brands offer gluten-free broth. Follow the recipe as usual. This way, you can enjoy a tasty, gluten-free version. It will still be hearty and delicious! Italian wedding soup blends rich flavors and fresh ingredients into a hearty dish. I shared traditional ingredients, easy variations, and substitutions for allergies. You learned step-by-step instructions for meatballs, veggies, and final touches. Use tips to enhance flavor, time your pasta, and present beautifully. Explore vegetarian options and seasonal veggies for a twist. Store leftovers properly and remember freezing guidelines for later enjoyment. This soup is versatile and rewarding, perfect for any table.

Italian Wedding Soup

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Italian Wedding Soup that's perfect for any occasion! Discover how to make this delicious soup loaded with meatballs, fresh veggies, and savory flavors. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll have a hearty meal ready in no time. Click through for the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this delightful dish! Enjoy a taste of Italy tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup small pasta (e.g., acini di pepe or orzo)

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup carrots, diced

1/2 cup celery, diced

6 cups chicken broth

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and form small meatballs (about 1 inch in size).

    In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

      Add the meatballs to the pot, cooking until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes).

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the small pasta and reduce heat to low, allowing it to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.

          Stir in the chopped spinach and fresh parsley, letting it wilt in the hot soup for an additional 2-3 minutes.

            Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed before serving.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 40 minutes | Serves 6

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in wide bowls garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful finish. A slice of crusty bread on the side complements the soup perfectly!