How long does it take to make Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs?

Based on our recipe instructions, it typically takes around 45 minutes to prepare and cook Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs. This includes time for preparing the meatballs, searing them, cooking the vegetables, and allowing the soup to simmer. Cooking the pasta separately may add a few extra minutes.

What ingredients do I need for Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs?

You'll need the following ingredients: olive oil, ground beef (85% lean), an egg, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, garlic, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, a yellow onion, carrots, celery ribs, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, uncooked pasta, fresh spinach, and freshly grated cheese for topping. This combination creates a rich and flavorful soup.

Can I use a different type of pasta for the soup?

Yes, you can use a different type of pasta for the soup. The recipe calls for ¾ cup of uncooked pasta, and small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or acini di pepe work well. Feel free to choose your favorite pasta shape, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to cook the pasta separately?

Cooking the pasta separately is recommended if you expect to have leftovers, as it prevents the pasta from soaking up all the broth during storage. If you plan to serve the soup immediately and don't anticipate leftovers, you can cook the pasta directly in the soup for convenience.

What can I use as a substitute for ground beef?

If you're looking for a substitute for ground beef, you can use ground chicken or turkey as a halal alternative. Both options will still provide a delicious flavor and texture to the meatballs. Remember to adjust cooking times slightly, as poultry might cook a bit faster than beef.

How can I store leftovers of Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs?

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the pasta separately to prevent it from absorbing too much broth. Keep both the soup and pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stove, adding the pasta just before serving.

Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs: Ultimate Comfort in Every Bite

Name: Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil; – ½ lb. (225 g) ground beef, 85% lean; – 1 egg, beaten; – 1/2 cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs; – 1/4 cup (60 g) grated cheese; – 3 cloves garlic, minced; – 1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh parsley, finely chopped; – 3/4 teaspoon (4 ml) salt; – 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) pepper; – 1 yellow onion, diced; – 1 ¼ cups (300 g) carrots, diced; – 2 celery ribs, diced; – 3 cloves garlic, minced; – 8 cups (1920 ml) (2 liters) chicken broth; – 2 teaspoons (10 ml) Italian seasoning; – ¾ cup (180 g) pasta, uncooked; – 4-5 cups (1080 ml) fresh spinach; – salt/pepper, to taste; – cheese, freshly grated

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Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs

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Author: Billie
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Discover how to make a comforting Italian wedding soup with juicy meatballs in this easy recipe. Perfect for cozy nights in!

Ingredients

– 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
– ½ lb. (225 g) ground beef, 85% lean
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup (60 g) grated cheese
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 3/4 teaspoon (4 ml) salt
– 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) pepper
– 1 yellow onion, diced
– 1 ¼ cups (300 g) carrots, diced
– 2 celery ribs, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 cups (1920 ml) (2 liters) chicken broth
– 2 teaspoons (10 ml) Italian seasoning
– ¾ cup (180 g) pasta, uncooked
– 4-5 cups (1080 ml) fresh spinach
– salt/pepper, to taste
– cheese, freshly grated

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Instructions

Carefully mix together the ingredients for the meatballs, ensuring not to handle the meat excessively. Shape into balls approximately 3/4-inch in size.
Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Sear the meatballs in groups for around 2 minutes. They will finish cooking in the soup. Remove them and set aside.
Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook over medium heat for 6 minutes until they become tender. If necessary, add a little more olive oil during cooking.
Incorporate the garlic and Italian seasoning and sauté for 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to simmer.
Return the browned meatballs to the pot and let them simmer gently while you prepare the pasta separately until it is firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain and place the pasta into serving bowls. (To prevent the pasta from soaking up all the broth during storage, if you don’t expect to have leftovers, you can either cook the pasta in the soup or add the cooked pasta directly to the soup pot.)
Mix in the spinach and cook until it wilts, roughly 2 minutes.
Serve the soup by ladling it into bowls and topping it with freshly grated cheese. Enjoy!

Notes

Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs: A Homely Delight

Fundamentals

The essence of a Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs lies in its ability to bring warmth and comfort in every spoonful. This dish, a delightful combination of tender meatballs and vibrant vegetables, is the perfect way to celebrate the union of flavors. The signature meatballs, crafted from ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, and fresh parsley, elevate this soup to a satisfying meal that resonates with homemade goodness.

Using quality ingredients is key. The 85% lean ground beef provides the right balance of flavor and texture, while the cheese, garlic, and parsley add layers of taste. Meanwhile, the chicken broth acts as a flavorful base, absorbing the essence of the meatballs and vegetables, resulting in a harmonious blend that soothes the soul.

Preparation/setup

Begin by gathering and preparing all the ingredients required for this Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs. Carefully mix together the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper to form the meatball mixture. Handle the meat gently to avoid overworking it, which can lead to tough meatballs.

Next, shape the mixture into small, 3/4-inch meatballs. This size ensures they cook evenly and remain tender as they simmer in the broth. Once the meatballs are ready, warm the olive oil in a large pot and sear them in batches, ensuring each side receives a proper browning. Searing locks in the flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape.

Creating Flavorful Depth

Technique

Building depth in this Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs begins with the vegetables. Once the meatballs are seared and set aside, introduce the diced onion, carrots, and celery into the pot. Cook these over medium heat until they become tender, ensuring to stir occasionally for even cooking.

Adding garlic and Italian seasoning at this stage helps to infuse the vegetables with a robust aroma and taste. Sauté the mixture for about a minute before pouring in the chicken broth, which not only deglazes the pot but also forms the soup’s flavorful base. Allow the broth to reach a rolling boil before reducing it to a simmer.

Tips/tricks

When making Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs, consider these tips for optimal results. Use fresh parsley and freshly grated cheese for the meatballs to maximize flavor. When cooking the pasta, keep it ‘al dente’ to ensure it maintains its texture when added to the soup.

If you expect leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much broth, keeping the soup’s consistency intact for future meals. For a more detailed meatball recipe, visit the easy Italian meatballs guide.

Enhancing Your Culinary Experience

Perfecting results

Perfecting Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs involves attention to detail. Allow the soup to simmer gently after returning the meatballs to the pot. This slow cooking ensures the flavors meld beautifully, while the meatballs finish cooking to tender perfection.

Incorporate fresh spinach towards the end of the cooking process, allowing it to wilt gently in the warm broth. This step not only adds vibrant color but also enhances the nutritional profile of the soup. For more hearty soup ideas, check out the acorn squash soup recipe.

Troubleshooting/variations

To troubleshoot common issues, ensure your meatballs are not too large, as this may lead to uneven cooking. If the soup lacks flavor, consider extra seasoning or a splash of additional broth. For a twist, try substituting ground beef with turkey for a lighter option.

Explore different pasta shapes to change the soup’s texture. Ditalini or orzo are excellent choices for a varied experience. For another flavorful recipe, explore the creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Serving/presentation

Presenting Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs is simple yet elegant. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving includes a generous portion of meatballs, pasta, and vegetables. Top with freshly grated cheese for a final touch that adds richness and visual appeal.

For an added burst of flavor, a sprinkle of fresh parsley can enhance the dish’s presentation. To explore more hearty dishes, try the busy day soup, ideal for quick and comforting meals.

Pairings/storage

Enhance your Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs by pairing it with warm, crusty bread or a light salad for a balanced meal. For storage, keep the pasta separate from the soup to maintain texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the soup’s integrity. This recipe is versatile, allowing for easy adjustments based on available ingredients or dietary preferences. For a unique twist, explore the venison Italian sausage and pepperoni bake for a hearty alternative.

Conclusion

Hearty Italian Wedding Soup With Meatballs offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for any meal. The careful preparation of ingredients ensures a harmonious blend that warms the heart and satisfies the palate.

This soup not only serves as a comforting dish but also showcases the beauty of simple ingredients coming together. Its adaptability makes it a staple in any kitchen, inviting creativity and shared moments around the table.