A Hearty Mediterranean Wedding Soup: A Taste Of The Sea

Italian wedding soup is a hearty dish that combines meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a flavoursome broth. Despite its name, it is not related to weddings. Instead, the name comes from the Italian phrase minestra maritata, which means married soup, referring to the marriage of ingredients and flavours. The soup is typically made with chicken broth, ground beef or turkey, vegetables such as carrots, celery, and spinach, and small pasta shapes like orzo or acini de pepe.

Meatballs: a combination of beef, pork, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, basil, onion powder, garlic, parsley, and oregano

The key to delicious meatballs in Mediterranean wedding soup is a combination of beef, pork, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, basil, onion powder, garlic, parsley, and oregano.

The beef and pork should be ground and mixed with an egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, and spices to create a flavourful and well-bound mixture. The breadcrumbs help to create a softer texture, while the parmesan adds a savoury note. The mixture should be shaped into small, bite-sized meatballs, around 3/4 inch to 1 inch in diameter.

These meatballs can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, broiling, or searing in a skillet. They are then added to the soup, where they continue to cook through in the broth.

Some recipes suggest browning the meatballs first to add extra flavour to the soup. This can be done by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and cooking the meatballs in batches until browned on two to three sides, for about 4 minutes. This step gives the meatballs a richer colour and adds a depth of flavour to the soup.

The combination of beef and pork ensures the meatballs are juicy and full of flavour. The breadcrumbs, egg, and parmesan help to bind the mixture, while the herbs and spices add a savoury kick. By keeping the meatballs small, they cook evenly and quickly in the soup, absorbing the flavours of the broth.

The result is a hearty and delicious meatball that complements the other ingredients in Mediterranean wedding soup, such as the tender greens and delicate pasta.

Broth: chicken broth is commonly used, but other broths can be substituted

Broth is an essential component of Mediterranean wedding soup. While chicken broth is the most common choice, you can easily substitute it with other options to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Chicken broth forms the base of the soup and adds a savoury flavour to the dish. It is typically used because it complements the other ingredients well and does not overpower the delicate flavours of the meatballs, greens, and pasta. However, you are not limited to using only chicken broth.

You can opt for beef broth, which will impart a richer and heartier taste to the soup. This can be a great choice if you want to make the broth more prominent in the dish. Some recipes also call for a combination of chicken and beef broth to create a well-rounded flavour profile.

If you're looking for a lighter or more subtle broth option, you can consider vegetable broth. It will add a depth of flavour without overwhelming the other ingredients. Vegetable broth is also a good choice if you want to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.

In addition to these options, you can also experiment with different types of broth, such as mushroom broth or fish broth, to add unique flavours to your Mediterranean wedding soup. Keep in mind that the broth you choose will impact the overall taste of the dish, so it's essential to consider the balance of flavours between the broth and the other ingredients.

Vegetables: escarole, spinach, kale, endive, cabbage, and carrots are all options

When it comes to vegetables, Mediterranean wedding soup is quite versatile. Escarole, spinach, kale, endive, cabbage, and carrots are all options to add to the soup.

Escarole is a popular choice for this soup and can be tough when raw, but it becomes tender when simmered in broth. Spinach is another excellent option, as it cooks almost instantly, making it a convenient choice. If you prefer a heartier texture, kale is a suitable substitute, but it requires a longer cook time. Endive and cabbage are also viable options for adding a unique flavour to the soup. Carrots are a common addition, providing depth and sweetness to the broth.

When selecting vegetables for Mediterranean wedding soup, it is essential to consider their preparation and cooking times. For example, spinach cooks quickly, while other greens like escarole, kale, and cabbage require more time to become tender.

Additionally, the chosen vegetables should complement the other ingredients in the soup, such as the meatballs and pasta. The versatility of vegetable options allows for customisation to suit individual tastes and preferences.

Pasta: orzo, acini de pepe, ditalini, and capellini are popular choices

When it comes to pasta choices for Mediterranean wedding soup, orzo, acini de pepe, ditalini, and capellini are all popular options. These small, delicate pasta shapes are perfect for this type of soup, adding substance without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Orzo is a type of pasta that resembles rice and is a common choice for Mediterranean wedding soup. Its small size and quick cooking time make it ideal for soups and other one-pot meals. Orzo is often made from white flour, giving it a neutral flavour that complements the other ingredients in the soup without overpowering them.

Acini de pepe, which means "seeds of pepper" in Italian, is another tiny, round pasta that works well in Mediterranean wedding soup. This pasta is similar in size to orzo but has a slightly different shape, resembling small, round seeds. Acini de pepe is commonly used in soups and is available in most grocery stores.

Ditalini is also a suitable choice for Mediterranean wedding soup. This short, tube-shaped pasta is larger than orzo and acini de pepe but still falls into the small pasta category. Its shape and size make it perfect for holding onto the flavours of the soup, adding a satisfying bite to each spoonful.

Finally, capellini, also known as angel hair pasta, can be used in Mediterranean wedding soup. While this pasta is not typically listed as an option for this particular soup, its delicate, thin strands can work well in place of the other small pasta choices. Capellini cooks quickly and adds a light, airy texture to the dish.

When choosing the pasta for Mediterranean wedding soup, it's important to consider the cooking time, as you'll want the pasta to be tender but not mushy. Adding the pasta at the right time and tasting as you go will ensure a perfect result.

Toppings: parmesan cheese, parsley, olive oil, and lemon are common garnishes

Toppings are an essential part of any soup, and Mediterranean Wedding Soup is no exception. Here are some common garnishes and toppings to elevate your soup-making experience:

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a must-have topping for Mediterranean Wedding Soup. It adds a rich, savoury umami flavour to the dish. The cheese can be grated or shredded, and it is recommended to sprinkle a generous amount on top of the soup just before serving. This cheese also complements the soup's Italian heritage, adding an authentic touch to your meal.

Parsley

Fresh parsley is another popular choice to garnish Mediterranean Wedding Soup. It adds a burst of colour and a fresh herbal flavour to the dish. Parsley is often used in Mediterranean cuisine and pairs well with the other ingredients in the soup. It can be chopped finely or left in slightly larger pieces, depending on your preference.

Olive Oil

Drizzling a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over your soup just before serving can enhance the flavours and add a subtle fruity or spicy note, depending on the type of olive oil used. Olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and is known for its health benefits, making it a perfect addition to this soup.

Lemon

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavours in your Mediterranean Wedding Soup. Lemon adds a tangy, acidic touch that complements the other garnishes and ingredients. It is best to add the lemon juice just before serving to ensure the flavour is bright and fresh.

These toppings can be used individually or in combination to suit your taste preferences. They enhance the flavours of the soup, making it a more indulgent and enjoyable experience. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination of toppings for your Mediterranean Wedding Soup!

Frequently asked questions