Description
Hearty Italian wedding soup blends tender meatballs with delicate greens in a rich, comforting broth. Generations of Italian families have cherished this classic dish, inviting you to savor its warmth and tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 0.75 pound ground beef (85-90% lean)
- 0.5 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 4 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Broth and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 0.5 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
- 0.33 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini)
- Parmigiano Reggiano for serving
Instructions
- Craft delicate meatballs by whisking egg with aromatic herbs and minced garlic in a mixing bowl. Incorporate ground meat, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. Gently shape into compact 1-inch spheres.
- Arrange meatballs on a lightly greased elevated rack positioned over a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until golden and crisp exterior develops.
- Establish soup foundation by warming olive oil in a substantial pot. Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until vegetables soften and release fragrant aromatics, approximately 8 minutes.
- Construct flavor profile by introducing chicken and beef broths, water, white wine, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Elevate temperature until liquid reaches a vigorous boil.
- Introduce small pasta shapes, allowing them to simmer and cook until achieving perfect al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Integrate fresh spinach leaves and prepared meatballs into the bubbling liquid. Reduce heat and allow spinach to gently wilt. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Customize meatballs by using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers delicious flavor.
- Enhance gluten-free requirements by substituting breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free panko for binding meatballs.
- Boost vegetable nutrition by adding extra greens like kale or Swiss chard alongside spinach for more depth and nutrients.
- Prep meatballs ahead of time and freeze uncooked for quick weeknight meal preparation, saving time and maintaining fresh taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg