Italian wedding soup is a classic dish that is loved by many for its delicious combination of flavors and textures. It is a hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter night or anytime you want a warm and comforting meal. The name "wedding soup" comes from the Italian phrase "minestra maritata," which means "married soup." This is because the combination of meat, vegetables, and pasta in the soup is said to be a perfect marriage of flavors.
The classic Italian wedding soup typically consists of meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a clear broth. The meatballs are usually made with a combination of ground beef and ground pork, seasoned with garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. The vegetables often include onions, carrots, and celery, while the pasta is usually small, such as acini di pepe or orzo. The broth can be made with chicken or beef broth, depending on personal preference.
Everyone has their own favorite version of Italian wedding soup, and this is what makes it such a versatile dish. Some people prefer to make the meatballs with just ground beef, while others like a combination of ground beef and ground turkey. Some like to add spinach or kale to their soup for some added greens, while others like to keep it simple with just carrots and celery. No matter what your favorite version is, Italian wedding soup is always a crowd-pleaser.
Although it may seem like a complicated dish, Italian wedding soup is actually quite easy to make. The key is to have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes having the meatballs already formed and the vegetables chopped. Once you have everything ready, it's just a matter of simmering the broth, adding in the meatballs and vegetables, and cooking until everything is tender and flavorful.
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Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Onions, Egg, Parmesan
As mentioned before, the meatballs are a crucial component of Italian wedding soup. They are what give the soup its heartiness and flavor. To make the meatballs, you can use a combination of ground beef and ground pork, or just stick to ground beef. To add some heat to your meatballs, you can also add in some red pepper flakes. Once the meatballs are cooked, they are added to the simmering broth to finish cooking and infuse the soup with their flavors.
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Skinny Italian Wedding Soup
Main Ingredients: Extra Lean Ground Beef, Bread Crumbs, Onion, Egg
If you're looking for a healthier version of Italian wedding soup, you can make some simple swaps to make it "skinny." For example, you can use turkey meatballs instead of beef, or even make vegetarian meatballs using quinoa and chickpeas. You can also use low-sodium broth and add in plenty of vegetables for added nutrition. With these small changes, you can still enjoy a comforting bowl of Italian wedding soup without any guilt.
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Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Ground Chicken, Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs
If you're short on time or prefer a hands-off cooking method, you can make Italian wedding soup in a slow cooker. This method is great for busy weeknights or when you want to have a warm and comforting meal waiting for you when you get home. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The end result will be a flavorful and tender soup that is sure to satisfy.
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Italian Wedding Soup with Tortellini
Main Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Large Egg, Breadcrumbs, Grated Parmesan
For a twist on the classic version, you can add tortellini to your Italian wedding soup. The small, stuffed pasta adds a delicious and cheesy element to the soup, making it even more satisfying. You can use either cheese or meat-filled tortellini, depending on your preference. Just add them in during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they don't overcook.
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Italian Wedding Soup with Chicken Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Breadcrumbs, Medium Eggs, Grated
If you want to switch things up and try a different type of meatball, you can use chicken instead of beef or pork. Chicken meatballs are a lighter option and can still be packed with flavor. You can also add some fresh herbs like parsley and basil to the meatballs to give them an extra boost of flavor. This version of Italian wedding soup is perfect for those who prefer a lighter and healthier meal.
Similar to the slow cooker method, you can also make Italian wedding soup in a crock-pot. This is a great option if you want to make a large batch of soup to enjoy throughout the week or to serve at a party. You can easily double or triple the recipe and let it cook in the crock-pot until you're ready to serve. This method also allows for all the flavors to meld together and develop even more, resulting in a delicious and comforting soup.
No matter which version of Italian wedding soup you choose to make, one thing is for sure, it will always be a delicious and comforting meal. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special event, everyone is sure to love this classic Italian dish.
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Easy Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Diced Onion, Chopped Carrots, Chopped Celery
As mentioned before, making Italian wedding soup in a slow cooker is a great option for busy days. You can prep all the ingredients in the morning and come home to a delicious and comforting meal that is ready to be served. This recipe is also great for those who want to make a large batch of soup to enjoy throughout the week. It's a simple and easy way to make a hearty and flavorful soup.
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Italian Wedding Soup with Carrots, Orzo and Meatballs
This version of Italian wedding soup is a combination of all the classic ingredients, plus a few extras. The addition of carrots and orzo to the soup adds some extra nutrition and texture. The carrots add a hint of sweetness while the orzo adds a heartiness to the soup. This is a great recipe to try if you want to switch things up and add some new elements to the traditional soup.
The Origins of Italian Wedding Soup
The Perfect Blend of Italian and American Influences
Italian wedding soup is a traditional Italian-American dish that has become a staple in many homes. Its origins can be traced back to the 19th century when immigrants from Italy brought their beloved recipes to America. The name "wedding soup" may be a bit misleading, as it is not typically served at weddings. Instead, the name is believed to come from the Italian phrase "minestra maritata," which translates to "married soup." This refers to the perfect marriage of flavors in this soup – the savory broth, tender meatballs, and hearty greens all come together to create a harmonious and comforting dish.
The Key Ingredients
A Perfect Combination of Flavors and Textures
The key to a delicious Italian wedding soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. The broth is typically made with chicken or beef stock, infused with herbs and vegetables for added depth. The star of the show, however, is the meatballs. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and breadcrumbs, these little balls of goodness are seasoned with garlic, parsley, and parmesan cheese. They are then simmered in the broth, soaking up all of the delicious flavors. To add a healthy and hearty element, chopped escarole or spinach is added to the soup. These greens provide a nice contrast to the meatballs and add a boost of nutrients.
The Perfect Soup for Any Occasion
A Comforting Dish for Cold Winter Nights
Campbell's Italian wedding soup recipe is not only delicious, but it is also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a starter or as a main dish, depending on the size of the meatballs and the portion size. It is the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a hearty meal to warm your soul on a cold winter night. And the best part? It can easily be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal. So why not give this classic Italian-American dish a try? With its blend of flavors and textures, Campbell's Italian wedding soup is sure to become a family favorite.
