Italian Wedding Soup, a flavorful and hearty dish that marries the delightful combination of meat and vegetables, isn’t actually tied to weddings. Its name, “minestra maritata” in Italian, reflects the fusion of flavors rather than matrimonial celebrations. Let’s dive into this unique and original recipe for Italian Wedding Soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
Recipe:
Savor the essence of Italian Wedding Soup with a unique twist on this classic recipe. Made with tender mixed pork and beef meatballs, a medley of vegetables, and acini di pepe pasta, all bathed in a delicately seasoned broth, it’s a feast for your taste buds.
Ingredients:
Meatball Mix
- 1 1/4 lbs mixed ground pork and beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
Soup
- 1 medium sweet onion, finely diced
- 2 large carrots, finely diced
- 2 stalks of celery, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup acini di pepe pasta
- 4–5 ounces baby spinach
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Begin by crafting your flavorful meatballs. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, breadcrumbs, dried parsley, basil, oregano, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Shape this mix into 3/4-inch meatballs.
- Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add these meatballs and let them sizzle to perfection. Browning them imparts a rich, savory flavor and a delightful texture. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, maintain the medium heat, and add the finely diced onions, carrots, and celery. Saute these until they become tender and fragrant, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley, basil, and oregano, cooking for an additional minute to enhance the aromatic profile.
- Now, transfer these cooked vegetables to a sturdy stockpot or Dutch oven. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring it to a gentle boil.
- It’s time to introduce the acini di pepe pasta and the beautifully browned meatballs. Let them simmer together for approximately 15 minutes, or until the pasta reaches its desired tenderness.
- Just before serving, add the baby spinach to the mix. Stir the soup until the spinach wilts and imparts its vibrant color and freshness.
- Season your creation with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, enhancing the flavors to perfection.
Conclusion:
Italian Wedding Soup, named not for matrimonial unions but for the harmonious blending of tastes, is a dish that will make any day special. With this unique and original recipe, you can savor the essence of Italy with every spoonful. Enjoy the delightful marriage of meat and vegetables in a beautifully seasoned broth, and serve it up for your loved ones on any occasion. Bon appétit!
