Name: Italian Wedding Soup with Orzo: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: For the meatballs:; 1/2 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large egg, beaten; For the soup:; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken broth; 1 cup orzo pasta; 4 cups spinach, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Warm up with a bowl of Italian Wedding Soup with Orzo. This classic soup is filled with tender meatballs, nutritious vegetables, and tasty orzo pasta. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings. With a preparing time of 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. Serve it as a starter or enjoy it as a main course. This Italian Wedding Soup with Orzo recipe is a must-try for soup lovers!

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg, beaten
For the soup:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
4 cups spinach, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and beaten egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
Stir in the chopped spinach and cooked meatballs. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the spinach is wilted.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Enjoy the delicious Italian Wedding Soup with Orzo!

Interesting Facts

Italian Wedding Soup is not traditionally served at weddings in Italy. The name actually comes from the Italian phrase "minestra maritata," which means "married soup." This refers to the perfect marriage of flavors between the meat and vegetables in the soup.

Orzo is a type of pasta that is shaped like grains of rice. It's a popular ingredient in soups and salads, adding a unique texture and bite to the dish.

This soup is packed with nutrients. The spinach provides iron and vitamins, while the meatballs offer protein. It's a wholesome and satisfying meal option.