Hey, guys! It’s JLo, and today I’m sharing with you one of my all-time favorite soup recipes: Italian Wedding Soup. This hearty, flavorful soup is perfect for any occasion, and it’s especially popular at weddings – hence the name. It’s a family recipe that has been passed down for generations, and I’m excited to share it with all of you today.
So, let’s get started! Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 bunch spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Now, let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Make the Meatballs In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until everything is combined. Then, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot – you may need to work in batches.
Step 3: Saute the Onion and Garlic Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside on a plate. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and saute until they’re soft and translucent about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Chicken Broth Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and let it cook until it’s tender, about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Spinach and Meatballs Once the orzo is cooked, add the chopped spinach and the meatballs back into the pot. Let everything simmer together for a few more minutes until the spinach is wilted and the meatballs are heated through.
Step 6: Season and Serve Finally, add the chopped parsley and basil to the pot and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
And that’s it! You now have a delicious, hearty Italian Wedding Soup that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe serves 6-8 people, so feel free to invite your friends and family over to enjoy it with you. Buon appetito!