Junior Rasmussen
Italian wedding soup, known in Italian as minestra maritata, consists of green vegetables, meat, and pasta in chicken broth. The name wedding soup comes from a mistranslation of the Italian phrase minestra maritata, which means married soup and refers to the combination of ingredients in the soup. The soup is a staple in many Italian restaurants and diners in the United States, and while it may be served at weddings, its name is unrelated to the ceremony.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Italian Wedding Soup |
| Other Names | Minestra Maritata, Marriage Soup, Zuppa di Scarola |
| Ingredients | Meat, Vegetables, Pasta, Broth, Meatballs |
| Meatball Ingredients | Ground Beef, Pork, Sausage, Breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Parsley, Egg, Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Pepper |
| Broth | Chicken Broth, Beef Broth |
| Vegetables | Spinach, Carrot, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Kale, Swiss Chard, Collard Greens, Escarole, Arugula, Wild Chicory, Fennel, Endive |
| Pasta | Couscous, Acini de Pepe, Ditalini, Orzo |
| Other Ingredients | Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Panko Breadcrumbs, Cheese (Pecorino Romano, Parmesan) |
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What You'll Learn
Meatballs
Italian wedding soup typically contains mini meatballs, which are usually made with a combination of meats. The most common combination is ground beef and Italian sausage, but some recipes call for ground beef and ground pork, or ground turkey and turkey sausage.
The meatballs are often flavoured with ingredients such as Parmesan, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Breadcrumbs are also added, which help bind the meatballs together. Some recipes suggest using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavour.
To make the meatballs, the meat is combined with the other ingredients and rolled into small balls, usually around 3/4 inch to 1 inch in diameter. They are then browned in a skillet or baked in the oven before being added to the soup.
The meatballs are a key component of Italian wedding soup, providing a hearty and savoury element to the dish. They are typically served in a rich broth with pasta, vegetables, and herbs.
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Vegetables
Italian wedding soup is a popular dish in the United States, served in many Italian restaurants and diners. It is a soup that consists of green vegetables, meat, and pasta in chicken broth. The name "wedding soup" comes from a mistranslation of the Italian phrase "minestra maritata", which means "married soup", referring to the marriage of its meats and vegetables inside its broth.
The vegetables used in Italian wedding soup can vary depending on the recipe and the availability of ingredients. Some common vegetables used include:
- Carrots
- Onion
- Celery
- Garlic
- Spinach or other leafy greens such as arugula, kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens
- Escarole, a broad-leafed, less bitter form of endive
- Wild chicory or fennel, if available
These vegetables are typically sautéed in oil or butter until softened before being added to the soup. The garlic is usually added towards the end of this process and cooked for a shorter time, just until fragrant.
In addition to the vegetables, Italian wedding soup also typically includes meatballs, which can be made with a variety of ground meats such as beef, pork, chicken, turkey, veal, or a combination of these. The meatballs are seasoned with ingredients such as eggs, bread crumbs or panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Pasta
Italian wedding soup is a soup that combines meat, vegetables, and pasta in a broth. The name is derived from the Italian phrase "minestra maritata", which translates to "wedded broths", referring to the marriage of its ingredients.
The pasta used in Italian wedding soup is typically a small variety, such as acini di pepe, which are tiny pasta balls that are perfect for soup as they do not overpower the other ingredients. Other suitable pasta shapes include orzo, ditalini, pastina (stars), and even macaroni.
Some recipes recommend cooking the pasta separately and adding it to the soup when serving, as the pasta will continue to absorb the broth as it sits. This ensures that the broth is not absorbed during storage, and the pasta does not become too soft.
The soup is typically garnished with shredded parmesan, which adds a nice savoury touch to the dish.
Italian wedding soup is a comforting and easy dish to prepare, and its combination of mini meatballs, pasta, and greens in a savoury broth is always a crowd-pleaser.
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Broth
When making wedding soup, it is important to consider the type of broth used. While some recipes specifically call for chicken broth, others suggest using beef broth or a combination of different broths. Ultimately, the choice of broth depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile of the soup.
One important consideration when making wedding soup is the ratio of broth to other ingredients. As the soup sits, the pasta will absorb the broth, causing the soup to thicken. Therefore, it is often recommended to add extra broth when reheating the soup to achieve the desired consistency. This can be the same type of broth used initially or a different variety, depending on what is available.
To enhance the flavour of the broth, some recipes suggest using homemade chicken stock or simmering a Parmesan rind with the soup. Fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, or parsley, can also be added to the broth to boost its flavour. Additionally, vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, or garlic can be sautéed or boiled in the broth to add colour, taste, and nutrition to the soup.
The broth in wedding soup serves as a unifying element, bringing together the various ingredients in a harmonious blend. By carefully selecting and preparing the broth, cooks can create a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to be a family favourite.
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Toppings
Cheese
Parmesan cheese is a classic topping for Italian wedding soup. Grate or shave fresh Parmesan over the soup just before serving to add a salty, nutty flavour. Other cheeses such as Pecorino Romano can also be used, either alone or in combination with Parmesan.
Herbs
Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil can be sprinkled over the soup to add a burst of flavour and colour. These herbs complement the other ingredients in the soup and enhance its overall taste.
Spices
Black pepper is commonly used to add a touch of heat and spice to the soup. You can also experiment with other spices like red pepper flakes or dried Italian herb blends to give the soup an extra kick.
Croutons
Croutons add a crunchy texture to the soup. You can make them by cutting stale bread into small cubes and frying them in olive oil until golden brown. Season the croutons with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or dried herbs for extra flavour.
Lemon zest
Adding a small amount of lemon zest as a topping can brighten up the flavours in the soup and add a refreshing twist. Simply use a zester or fine grater to create thin strips of lemon peel to sprinkle on top.
Extra virgin olive oil
Drizzle a small amount of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the soup to enhance the flavours and add a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel. This topping is especially good when paired with the brightness of lemon zest.
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Frequently asked questions
Italian wedding soup is a soup consisting mainly of meatballs, pasta, vegetables, and meat in chicken broth.
Meatballs in Italian wedding soup are typically made with ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, parmesan, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Italian wedding soup usually includes vegetables such as carrots, onions, celery, and spinach.
Small pasta shapes such as ditalini, orzo, or acini de pepe are typically used in Italian wedding soup.
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