Making Delicious Italian Wedding Soup
A Classic Italian Soup Recipe You'll Love
Italian Wedding Soup is an Italian classic that originated centuries ago. It's a simple yet flavorful combination of vegetables, pasta, and meatballs all cooked in a flavorful broth. It's the perfect comfort food for a cold winter night or a light lunch on a warm summer day. This soup is a great way to use up leftovers and is easily adaptable to whatever ingredients you may have on hand. If you're looking for a delicious and easy Italian soup recipe, Italian Wedding Soup is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
To make Italian Wedding Soup, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup ditalini pasta
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
To make the soup, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Form the mixture into small 1-inch balls and set them aside. Add the pasta to the soup and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Add the meatballs to the soup and simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. Serve the soup in bowls, with additional Parmesan cheese for garnish, if desired.
Tips and Variations
This recipe can easily be adapted to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to substitute ground turkey or pork for the beef, and use whatever type of pasta you like. You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or summer squash, or replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
If you're looking to make this a heartier soup, you can add cooked white beans or chickpeas. You can also add a splash of white wine to the soup for an extra layer of flavor. For a vegan version, simply omit the meatballs and use vegetable broth.
Enjoy Making this Italian Classic
Italian Wedding Soup is a classic Italian dish that's sure to please the whole family. The flavorful broth and tender vegetables make this soup a comforting and satisfying meal. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can easily make this delicious soup at home. Enjoy!