Italian Wedding Soup

Looking for a warm and comforting meal to cozy up to during the colder months? This traditional Italian Wedding Soup is the perfect choice, filled with flavorful meatballs, tender vegetables, and delicious broth.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups diced carrots
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1 cup orzo pasta

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Form small meatballs and set aside.
• In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Add in the carrots and meatballs, cooking until the meatballs are cooked through.
• Stir in the spinach and orzo pasta, simmering until the pasta is tender.
• Serve hot and enjoy a bowl of this comforting Italian Wedding Soup.

Popular questions:

• Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe for a lighter option.

• Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

A: Yes, frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before adding to the soup.

• Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, you can swap orzo pasta for any small pasta shape like acini di pepe or ditalini.

• Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to use.

• Q: Can I freeze this soup?

A: This soup freezes well, just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container.

Helpful tips:

• Add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
• If the soup is too thick, you can add more chicken broth until reaching your desired consistency.
• For a vegetarian version, you can swap the meatballs for vegetarian meatballs or omit them altogether.
• Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like zucchini or celery.
• Consider adding a dash of lemon juice for a refreshing twist to the soup.

Expert Secrets:

• Cook the meatballs gently to avoid them becoming tough.
• Season the broth well to enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
• Consider adding a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme for extra depth of flavor.
• Don’t overcook the orzo pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Skim off any excess fat that rises to the top of the soup for a cleaner finish.