This classic Italian wedding soup is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for cold winter nights or special occasions, like weddings. Made with tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth, this soup is a crowd-pleaser. It is easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Serve it as a starter or a main course, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup acini di pepe pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Add meatballs to the boiling broth and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add acini di pepe pasta to the pot and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, until pasta is cooked through.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Interesting Facts
Italian wedding soup is traditionally served at Italian weddings, hence its name.
The term 'acini di pepe' means 'peppercorns' in Italian and refers to the tiny round pasta used in this soup.
The use of fresh spinach adds a healthy and vibrant touch to this classic dish.