Description
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting dish that combines savory meatballs, fresh greens, and tiny pasta in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
½ lb ground beef
½ lb (replace with your choice of halal meat)
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Soup:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
¾ cup acini di pepe pasta (or orzo)
3 cups fresh spinach or escarole, chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground beef, your choice of halal meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
- Prepare the Soup: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the Broth: Add chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil.
- Cook the Meatballs & Pasta: Drop the meatballs into the boiling broth and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. Then add the pasta and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in the spinach (or escarole) and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Swap the spinach for kale or escarole for a different flavor and texture.
Use ground turkey or chicken for leaner meatballs.
Try adding a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist in the broth.
Add other vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition.
You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before adding them to the soup.
If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the broth with the greens and pasta, then return it to the pot.
This soup is freezer-friendly; store the pasta and meatballs separately when freezing.
For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
