Italian Wedding Soup

$- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup small pasta (such as acini di pepe or orzo) The base of Italian wedding soup is simple yet rich. Ground turkey or chicken gives it a lean protein source. I love using low-sodium chicken broth for a clean taste. Small pasta like acini di pepe or orzo adds a delightful texture. You can also choose gluten-free pasta if you prefer. - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large carrot, diced - 1 large stalk celery, diced - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped Next, we have the vegetables. Onions and garlic bring depth and warmth. Carrots and celery add crunch and sweetness. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and nutrients. I chop it finely so it wilts nicely in the soup. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Seasoning is key to great flavor. Dried oregano and thyme complement the broth and meatballs. Grated Parmesan adds creaminess and richness. Finally, fresh parsley brightens up the dish with its fresh taste. I sprinkle it on top right before serving. First, grab a large bowl. Add 1 pound of ground turkey or chicken. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. Crack in 1 large egg, and sprinkle in some salt and black pepper. Mix the ingredients well with your hands. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. Once you shape them, set them aside on a plate. Now, take a large pot and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 large diced carrot, and 1 large diced stalk of celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes. You want them to soften but not brown. This step builds a great base for the soup. Next, pour 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth into the pot. Bring the broth to a gentle boil. Add in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Carefully drop your meatballs into the boiling broth. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This cooks the meatballs through. After that, stir in 1 cup of small pasta, like acini di pepe or orzo. Simmer according to the package instructions for about 7 to 10 minutes. In the last minute of cooking, toss in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach. Stir until it wilts. Finally, remove the pot from heat. Mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. To boost flavor, adjust your seasonings. Add more oregano or thyme if you prefer. Fresh herbs can also brighten the soup. They have a stronger taste than dried ones. Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a pop of color. To keep meatballs tender, do not overmix the meat. Just combine the ingredients gently. Shape them into small balls, about an inch wide. This size helps them cook evenly. For perfect pasta, add it at the right time. Follow the package's cooking time for best results. Remember, overcooked pasta can become mushy. Serve the soup in deep bowls for a cozy feel. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This adds flavor and looks nice. Pair your soup with crusty bread for a hearty meal. A side salad can also work well. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of Italian wedding soup. Start by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth. This swap keeps the soup rich and flavorful. For the meatballs, use plant-based meat alternatives like lentils, chickpeas, or tofu. These options provide protein and texture. Add a variety of vegetables to enhance your dish. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or peas. Each vegetable brings its own unique taste. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also add a burst of flavor. For those needing gluten-free meals, choose gluten-free pasta. Brands now offer options like rice or chickpea pasta. These types blend well with the soup. Adjust the breadcrumbs in your meatballs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground nuts for binding. This ensures your meatballs hold together without gluten. Italian wedding soup has many regional twists across Italy. In some areas, they add different meats like sausage or beef. Others may include unique vegetables that grow abundantly in their region. Explore local flavors by using specific herbs or spices. For example, adding saffron can give a distinct taste. Each region's special touch makes the soup even more inviting. Store your Italian Wedding Soup in the fridge for up to three days. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Let the soup cool before sealing it. This helps prevent condensation inside the container. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it well to ensure even heating. You can freeze Italian Wedding Soup for up to three months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When you want to enjoy it again, move the soup to the fridge overnight to thaw. Avoid microwaving it directly from frozen, as this can change the texture. When reheating, do it slowly on the stove. Stir occasionally to keep the soup smooth. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems thick. This will help keep the flavors bright and tasty. Enjoy the comfort of your soup, even after some time in the freezer! Italian Wedding Soup has roots in Italy. It is not a wedding dish, but a symbol of unity. The name comes from the Italian phrase "minestra maritata," meaning "married soup." This refers to the tasty mix of greens and meat. Traditional ingredients include small pasta, meatballs, and greens. You often find spinach or escarole in the mix. These fresh veggies add color and nutrients to the soup. The combination creates a comforting dish that many families enjoy. Yes, you can make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time. Meal prep saves time on busy nights. Cook the soup and store it in the fridge for up to three days. However, the pasta may soak up broth and become soft. To keep the soup fresh, cook the pasta separately and add it when serving. This keeps the texture just right, so you enjoy every bite. If you want a meat-free option, you have choices! You can use lentils, beans, or tofu. These alternatives cater to different diets and still taste great. Substituting meat may change the flavor and texture a bit. Lentils add earthiness, while beans give a creamy feel. No matter what you choose, the soup remains hearty and satisfying. Italian Wedding Soup is a delicious blend of flavors and textures. We explored its main ingredients, from ground turkey to vibrant veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you create this dish at home. Remember to enhance flavors with herbs and customize it to fit your diet. Whether you choose to make it vegetarian, gluten-free, or stick to tradition, this soup warms the heart. Store leftovers properly, and don't worry about making it ahead of time. Enjoy the process of cooking and sharing this comforting meal with others.$

Warm up your family gatherings with this delightful Italian Cozy Celebration Soup! Filled with hearty meatballs, vibrant veggies, and a touch of cheesy goodness, this comforting dish is perfect for any occasion. In just 40 minutes, you can create a memorable meal that everyone will love.Click to discover how to prepare this cozy favorite.

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Ingredients

1 cup small pasta (such as acini di pepe or orzo)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large carrot, diced

1 large stalk celery, diced

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 pound ground turkey or chicken

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1 large egg

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey (or chicken), breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, and shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). Set aside.

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a gentle boil. Add the dried oregano and thyme.

Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling broth and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.

Stir in the small pasta, and continue to simmer according to the pasta package instructions (usually about 7-10 minutes).

In the last minute of cooking, add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted.

Remove from heat, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

- Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the soup hot in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also accompany it with crusty bread for a complete meal!