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Italian wedding soup recipe

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

InsiderMama.com
This Italian wedding soup recipe is a comforting classic with tender meatballs, delicate pasta, and fresh greens in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this homemade version is easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs

  • ½ pound ground beef
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil

For the soup

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth low sodium if store-bought
  • 1 cup small pasta acini de pepe, orzo, or ditalini
  • 2 cups fresh greens escarole, spinach, or kale
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 parmesan rind optional, for extra flavor
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
  • Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  • Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Brown the meatballs in batches, cooking just until lightly seared on the outside, then set aside.
  • In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the parmesan rind, if using.
  • Bring the broth to a simmer, then gently add the browned meatballs.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Add the fresh greens and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
  • Remove the parmesan rind and stir in the lemon juice.
  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parmesan if desired.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!