Italian Wedding Soup
Looking for a comforting and delicious soup to warm you up on chilly days? Look no further than this classic Italian Wedding Soup recipe! Packed with tender meatballs, hearty greens, and flavorful broth, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped escarole or spinach
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix until well combined, then shape into small meatballs.
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add meatballs, escarole or spinach, and orzo pasta. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and orzo is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 20g
Popular Questions:
- Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Q: Can I use kale instead of escarole or spinach?
- Q: Can I freeze Italian Wedding Soup?
A: Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe.
A: Absolutely, kale can be a delicious substitute for escarole or spinach in this soup.
A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Just ensure it is cooled before transferring to an airtight container for freezing.
Helpful Tips:
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Top each bowl of soup with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Try adding some cooked mini meatballs for extra heartiness.
- Feel free to use any small pasta shape in place of orzo for variety.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and plant-based meatballs.
Expert Secrets:
- Cook the orzo separately and add it to each bowl before serving to prevent it from becoming too mushy in the soup.
- If you like a thicker broth, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
- For an additional depth of flavor, add a Parmesan rind to the broth while simmering.
- Make sure to use lean ground beef to prevent the soup from becoming too greasy.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences, adding more or less salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
