Kale In Wedding Soup: A Unique Twist On Tradition

Italian wedding soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with savoury chicken or beef meatballs, fresh vegetables, and delicious tiny pasta. It is a very customisable dish, with kale, spinach, endive, or escarole all being used as greens in the soup. This soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending ages in the kitchen.

How to make kale wedding soup

Kale wedding soup is a twist on the classic Italian wedding soup recipe. It's a hearty and wholesome dish that's easy to make and perfect for chilly evenings. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious soup:

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Meat of your choice (ground beef, turkey, chicken, or a combination)
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (dry or fresh)
• Parmesan cheese
• Spices (oregano, Italian seasoning, parsley, black pepper)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chicken broth/stock
• Pasta (stelline, macaroni, or other small pasta)
• Kale
• Optional: carrot, celery, white wine, dill, salt, red pepper flakes

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, an egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and spices. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, then form the mixture into small balls (about 30-40 meatballs). You can brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the soup, or cook them directly in the broth.

Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base

In a large stockpot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent and soft. You can also add other vegetables like carrot and celery at this stage for extra flavor. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.

Step 3: Add the Pasta and Kale

Once the broth is boiling, add the small pasta of your choice. Let it cook according to the package instructions. Then, add the chopped kale and let it simmer until wilted and tender. You can also add a splash of white wine for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Stir in the baked or browned meatballs and fresh herbs (if using) before serving. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes on top of each bowl. The soup is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Tips and Variations:

• You can make the meatballs in advance and freeze them, which will save time when preparing the soup.
• Feel free to use any type of small pasta you have on hand, such as stelline, macaroni, orzo, or ditalini.
• If you want a lighter version of the soup, you can replace the meatballs with cooked chicken sausage or turkey sausage.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the meatballs and add more vegetables or beans for protein.
• You can also add other greens like spinach or Swiss chard to the soup along with the kale.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze the soup for later.

Nutritional value of kale wedding soup

Kale is a popular substitute for spinach, escarole, or other bitter greens in Italian wedding soup. This leafy green is sturdy and packed with nutrients like vitamins A, K, B6, and C, calcium, and potassium.

Italian wedding soup with kale is a nutritious and comforting meal, often featuring meatballs, noodles, broth, and vegetables. The kale adds a pop of colour and a boost of essential vitamins and minerals.

The nutritional value of the soup will depend on the specific ingredients used, but here is a general overview:

Meatballs

Meatballs in Italian wedding soup are typically made with ground meat such as chicken, turkey, pork, beef, or a combination. They are seasoned with herbs and spices and may include breadcrumbs and cheese, such as Parmesan, feta, or Cheddar. Meatballs contribute protein, healthy fats, and other micronutrients to the soup.

Noodles

Noodles or small pasta shapes like stelline, orzo, or acini de pepe are commonly used in Italian wedding soup. These add carbohydrates to the meal and help make it more filling and satisfying.

Broth

The broth is usually a chicken or vegetable-based broth, providing a savoury base to the soup. It contributes flavour and hydration without adding significant calories or fat.

Vegetables

In addition to kale, Italian wedding soup often includes vegetables like carrots, onions, celery, and garlic. These vegetables boost the fibre, vitamin, and mineral content of the soup, adding to its nutritional value.

Overall, Italian wedding soup with kale is a well-rounded and nutritious meal. It offers a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals from the kale and other vegetables. The specific nutritional profile will vary depending on the ingredients used, but this soup is generally considered a healthy and comforting option.

Kale as a substitute for spinach in wedding soup

Kale and spinach are both leafy green vegetables that can be used in wedding soup. Spinach has a more distinctive "spinachy" flavour than kale, and its leaves are softer and more delicate. Kale, on the other hand, has a tougher texture and is less likely to become soggy in soup. Spinach is not ideal for eating raw, whereas kale can be eaten either cooked or raw.

When substituting kale for spinach in wedding soup, it is important to remove the thick parts of the kale stems, as they will not cook through in time. Flat-leaf kale, such as Tuscan kale or cavolo nero, is preferable to curly-leaf varieties in soup, as the latter can be bulky and stringy.

Kale is a nutritious and colourful addition to wedding soup, providing a good source of vitamins and fibre. It pairs well with other ingredients commonly found in wedding soup, such as meatballs, noodles, Parmesan cheese, and various vegetables.

In summary, kale is a suitable substitute for spinach in wedding soup and offers some advantages in terms of texture and nutrition. However, it is important to select the right variety of kale and prepare it properly to ensure the best results.

Meatballs in kale wedding soup

Ingredients

You can use a variety of ground meats for the meatballs, including chicken, turkey, pork, beef, or veal. For the soup, you will need kale, broth, and small pasta. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, onions, celery, and garlic. For the meatballs, you will need eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs.

Meatballs

To make the meatballs, combine the ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients and form them into small balls. You can then choose to brown the meatballs in a skillet or bake them in the oven before adding them to the soup.

Soup

Start by heating oil in a pot and sautéing the chopped vegetables. Add the broth, kale, and pasta to the pot and stir everything together. Bring the soup to a boil and simmer until the pasta is tender. Finally, add the meatballs to the soup, and your dish is ready to be served!

Tips

• You can use any type of small pasta for this soup, such as orzo, ditalini, or acini di pepe.
• It is recommended to brown or sear the meatballs before adding them to the soup, as it adds more flavor.
• If you have leftovers, you can store the soup and meatballs separately in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• This soup is a great option for a cozy winter meal and can be served with crusty bread or a salad.

Storing kale wedding soup

Kale wedding soup is a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights. It's easy to make and even suitable for freezing. But what's the best way to store it? Here are some tips to ensure your soup stays fresh and flavorful:

Letting the Soup Cool Down:

Before storing your kale wedding soup, it's crucial to let it cool down completely. Place the pot of soup in a cool area and stir it occasionally to help speed up the cooling process. Avoid putting hot soup directly into the refrigerator, as it can affect the appliance's temperature and compromise food safety.

Storing in Airtight Containers:

Once the soup has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal. Make sure to leave a little space at the top of each container, as the soup will expand slightly when frozen. If you have leftover meatballs, store them separately in their own airtight container.

Refrigerating the Soup:

Kale wedding soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Clearly label the containers with the date and try to consume the soup within this timeframe for optimal freshness and flavor. Use the oldest soup first and ensure it's thoroughly reheated before serving.

Freezing the Soup:

If you want to freeze your kale wedding soup, it's best to portion it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some extra space in each container, as the liquid will expand when frozen. You can also freeze the soup in freezer bags, which will save space. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it on the stovetop.

Storing Cooked Pasta Separately:

If your kale wedding soup contains pasta, it's recommended to store the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy. Cooked pasta tends to absorb liquid, affecting the broth's consistency. You can either store the pasta separately in the refrigerator and add it to the soup when serving, or freeze the pasta in portions along with the soup.

By following these simple storage guidelines, you can enjoy your kale wedding soup multiple times without compromising its taste and texture. Proper storage ensures that your soup remains fresh, flavorful, and safe to consume.

Frequently asked questions