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- Ground turkey or chicken - Chicken broth - Fresh spinach Italian Wedding Soup is known for its rich flavors. The main star is the ground turkey or chicken. This protein gives the soup a hearty base. Next, we have chicken broth. It adds depth and warmth. Fresh spinach brings a bright color and fresh taste. - Vegetables: carrots, onions, garlic - Herbs and spices: oregano, thyme, parsley - Pasta: acini di pepe or orzo Adding vegetables like carrots, onions, and garlic makes this soup special. They provide sweetness and texture. The herbs and spices, like oregano and thyme, deepen the flavor. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. For the pasta, acini di pepe or orzo works best. These small shapes hold broth and flavor well. - Parmesan cheese - Egg for ribbon effect - Olive oil for sautéing Optional ingredients enhance the soup even more. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty finish. An egg creates beautiful ribbons in the soup. A drizzle of olive oil for sautéing brings a lovely flavor to the base. These little touches make a big difference in taste and presentation. Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Olive oil gives the soup a rich flavor. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and diced carrot. Toss in the minced garlic too. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. You want the vegetables soft and the onion translucent. This step builds a great base for your soup. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken with grated Parmesan cheese. Add chopped parsley, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Mix this well until it’s combined. Now, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Keep them even for a nice cook. After your vegetables are soft, pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Make sure to space them out. Cook the meatballs for about 10-15 minutes. They should be fully cooked and no longer pink in the middle. While the meatballs cook, prepare the pasta in another pot. Follow the package instructions. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. When the meatballs are ready, gently add the cooked pasta and chopped spinach to the soup. Stir lightly and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. The spinach should wilt and brighten. To finish, stir in the beaten egg slowly while gently stirring the soup. This creates delicate ribbons of egg. Taste your soup. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you like. For rich flavor, use fresh herbs. I recommend oregano and thyme. These herbs add warmth. They make the soup taste like home. Choose ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat. Both options pair well with the broth. The key is using fresh ingredients. Quality makes a big difference. To avoid tough meatballs, do not overmix the meat. Mix just until combined. Ground turkey or chicken works great, but you can try beef or pork too. If you want a twist, add breadcrumbs or cooked rice for extra texture. Adding cheese keeps meatballs moist and flavorful. Serve the soup in warm, deep bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Add fresh parsley for color and taste. Pair the soup with crusty bread. This makes each bite hearty and satisfying. You can also serve a simple salad on the side. {{image_4}} You can swap the ground turkey or chicken for beef or pork. This change adds a richer flavor. If you want a vegetarian version, try using lentils or mushrooms. Both options can give a hearty feel without meat. You can also mix beans with veggies for a great texture. If you need a gluten-free option, use rice or quinoa instead of pasta. You can also try small gluten-free pasta shapes. Making homemade pasta is another fun way to customize this soup. Use simple flour and egg dough for fresh pasta that cooks quickly. Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the soup. It gives a fresh taste that lifts warm flavors. You can also add other greens like kale or Swiss chard. These not only add color but also boost nutrition. Try different herbs for unique flavors, too. To keep your Italian Wedding Soup fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Let the soup cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space for expansion. Italian Wedding Soup can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat with care: - Proper Reheat: Heat the soup over medium heat on the stove. Stir gently to avoid breaking the meatballs. - Adjusting Consistency: If the soup looks thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Stir well to mix. Knowing how long your soup lasts is key: - Fridge Lifespan: Italian Wedding Soup stays good for about three days in the fridge. - Signs of Spoilage: Check for off smells or changes in color. If it looks or smells strange, it's best to toss it. Italian Wedding Soup has roots in Italian-American culture. It does not relate to actual weddings. Instead, the name comes from the Italian phrase "minestra maritata," meaning "married soup." This refers to the mix of flavors from the meat and greens. The soup combines rich broth, meatballs, and fresh veggies. It reflects the Italian tradition of cooking with family and friends. Many families share this dish during holidays and special gatherings. Yes, you can make Italian Wedding Soup in a slow cooker. First, sauté the onion, carrot, and garlic in a pan. This step adds flavor to the soup. After that, add the sautéed veggies, broth, and meatballs to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Remember to cook the pasta separately. Add it just before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft. Italian Wedding Soup is quite healthy. It offers lean protein from the turkey or chicken. The fresh spinach and veggies add vitamins and minerals. For a lighter version, use less cheese and leaner meat. You can also add more greens for fiber. This soup is a great way to enjoy a tasty meal that is good for you. In this article, we explored the key elements of making Italian Wedding Soup. We discussed main ingredients like ground turkey, chicken broth, and fresh spinach. You learned to prepare the soup base and make tender meatballs. We also shared tips for authenticity and variations to suit your taste. Remember, this soup is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and flavor it brings to your table. Your cooking can truly shine with this classic recipe.

Italian Wedding Soup

Dive into the flavors of Italy with this Italian Wedding Soup Extravaganza! Bursting with delicious meatballs, fresh spinach, and hearty pasta, this comforting soup is perfect for any occasion. Learn how to create this inviting dish in just 40 minutes with easy-to-follow steps. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to explore the full recipe and make your next meal a heartfelt celebration!
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Ingredients
  

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

8 cups chicken broth

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 medium carrot, diced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 pound ground turkey or chicken

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 egg, lightly beaten

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions
 

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and diced carrot, along with the minced garlic. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey (or chicken) with the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Mix well, then form the mixture into small meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter.

      After the vegetables are soft, pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering broth, ensuring they are spaced out.

        Allow the meatballs to cook in the broth for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center.

          While the meatballs are simmering, prepare the pasta as per the package instructions in a separate pot. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

            When the meatballs are done, gently add the cooked pasta and the roughly chopped spinach to the soup. Stir the mixture gently and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and brightened in color.

              To finish, slowly stir in the beaten egg into the soup while maintaining a gentle stir to create delicate ribbons of egg throughout. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper, if needed.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in deep, warm bowls, and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Pair with crusty bread for dipping, making your meal hearty and satisfying!