Lyla Dejesus
Italian wedding soup is a hearty dish that combines meatballs, pasta, vegetables, and broth. The soup's name comes from the Italian phrase minestra maritata, meaning married soup, which refers to the harmonious combination of its ingredients. While the soup has no direct connection to weddings, it is a beloved comfort food with a rich history. When preparing Italian wedding soup, cooks can choose from various stocks, including chicken, beef, or vegetable broth, to create the desired flavour profile. The type of stock used can enhance the other ingredients in the soup, making it a crucial component of this comforting dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of stock | Broth |
| Broth ingredients | Chicken, beef, vegetables |
| Broth colour | Light |
| Broth flavour | Mild |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken stock
When choosing a chicken stock, opt for a light-coloured variety with a subtle flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients. For example, Trader Joe's organic chicken bone broth is a popular choice as it has a subtle flavour and light colour. If you can't find a pre-made stock that fits this description, you can always make your own homemade chicken stock.
To make the soup, start by sautéing chopped onions, smashed garlic cloves, and rosemary in olive oil for 7-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add the beans and pour in the chicken stock. Stir in some fresh bay leaves, which will give the soup a light and slightly lemony flavour. Bring the soup to a gentle boil and simmer for about 10 minutes.
While the soup is cooking, bring a small pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Once the soup has been simmering for about 10 minutes, add the escarole to the soup in batches, stirring with a wooden spoon. Finally, add the meatballs—you won't need to use all of them—and continue simmering until the meatballs are warmed through.
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Beef broth
Italian wedding soup is a hearty Italian soup that typically includes meatballs, vegetables, pasta, and broth. The soup derives its name from the Italian phrase "minestra maritata," which translates to "married soup," referring to the harmonious combination of flavours.
When selecting beef broth for your Italian wedding soup, it is recommended to opt for regular (not low-sodium) beef broth to ensure optimal flavour. Additionally, you can fortify the broth with wine and vegetables to enhance its taste and nutritional profile.
The type of pasta used in Italian wedding soup is typically small or tiny, such as orzo, ditalini, or pearl couscous. However, any small variety of pasta can be used based on availability and personal preference.
Meatballs are a key component of Italian wedding soup, and they are typically made with ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. To enhance the flavour and texture of the meatballs, you can incorporate Italian sausage, which adds a spicy and rich dimension to the dish.
When preparing Italian wedding soup with beef broth, it is important to consider the absorption rate of the pasta. The pasta tends to absorb the broth during storage, so it is advisable to cook the pasta separately and add it to the broth just before serving. This ensures that the pasta remains al dente and the broth maintains its desired consistency.
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Meatballs
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan
- Egg
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs (oregano, parsley, basil)
- Garlic
Method
- Combine the ground beef and ground pork in a large mixing bowl.
- Add in the breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, herbs and garlic.
- Gently toss and break up the mixture with your hands to evenly coat and distribute.
- Shape the mixture into very small meatballs, around 3/4 inch to 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned, turning occasionally.
- Transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Add the meatballs to the broth and simmer until cooked through.
Tips
- For a more intense flavour, sear the meatballs first before adding to the broth.
- Make the meatballs quite small so they're easier to eat in soup form and will be more evenly dispersed.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavour.
- Don't be shy with the garlic—this is an Italian soup!
- Use fresh bread for breadcrumbs to avoid additives and improve flavour.
- Meatballs can be made in advance and frozen for up to 2 months.
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Vegetables
Italian wedding soup is a hearty dish that combines vegetables, pasta, and meatballs in a rich broth. The vegetables used in this soup can vary depending on preference, but there are some classic choices that are commonly used.
The "holy trinity" of vegetables for a flavourful soup base typically includes yellow onion, carrots, and celery. These vegetables are usually sautéed in olive oil before adding the broth, providing a delicious foundation for the soup.
In addition to this trio, Italian wedding soup often includes greens such as spinach, kale, endive, escarole, or chard. Spinach is a popular choice as it cooks quickly and adds a touch of freshness to the dish. However, other greens like escarole or chard can also be used, providing a slightly heartier texture and a more robust flavour.
Some cooks might also add garlic to the mix, enhancing the overall flavour of the soup and giving it a more authentic Italian taste.
When preparing the vegetables for Italian wedding soup, it is essential to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and are easy to eat. Sautéing the vegetables before adding the broth allows their flavours to meld together and creates a delicious base for the soup.
The vegetables used in Italian wedding soup contribute to its overall heartiness and nutritional value. They add colour, texture, and a boost of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Pasta
Italian wedding soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a rich broth. The pasta used in this soup can vary depending on preference and availability, but it is typically a small or thin variety that adds texture and heartiness to the dish. Here are some options for the type of pasta you can use:
Orzo
Orzo is a type of rice-shaped pasta that is commonly used in Italian wedding soup. It is versatile and can be cooked directly in the soup or prepared separately and added later. Orzo adds a subtle texture to the soup without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Acini di Pepe
Acini di pepe is another popular choice for Italian wedding soup. These tiny, round pastas are similar in size to pearls and can usually be found in the pasta aisle of grocery stores. They provide a delicate texture and complement the other ingredients in the soup.
Ditalini
Ditalini is a short, tube-shaped pasta that is often suggested as an alternative to orzo or acini di pepe. It is small and thin, making it ideal for soups. Ditalini adds a subtle bite to the dish without taking away from the other flavours.
Pastina (Stars)
Pastina is a type of tiny star-shaped pasta that can add a whimsical touch to Italian wedding soup. It is smaller than acini di pepe and provides a delicate texture. Pastina stars are a fun option for those who want to add a unique twist to their soup.
Couscous
While not technically a pasta, pearl couscous can also be used in Italian wedding soup. Its small, pearl-like shape falls somewhere between a grain and a pasta. Couscous adds a slightly different texture to the soup while still absorbing the flavours of the broth.
Other Options
If you are looking for something different, you can also use macaroni, mini shells, or even break strands of long, thin noodles directly into the broth. These options may be more readily available and can still provide a satisfying texture to the soup.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding soup is traditionally made using chicken broth.
Beef broth is also commonly used in wedding soup. You can also use a combination of chicken and beef broth.
Yes, but broth is typically used because it has a lighter colour and milder flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients.
You can use either chicken or beef broth for the meatballs, or a combination of the two.
