A comforting and flavorful Italian Wedding Soup featuring tender mini meatballs, a medley of fresh vegetables, and tiny pasta in a savory broth. This recipe brings authentic Italian trattoria magic to your kitchen with ease, perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy Sunday dinner.
For the Mini Meatballs:
1 lb ground chicken or turkey
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
6 cups chicken broth (halal if preferred)
1/2 cup tiny pasta (like orzo or acini di pepe)
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Prepare the Mini Meatballs:
In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter).
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. You may need to do this in batches. Remove meatballs from the pot and set aside.
Prepare the Soup:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the tiny pasta and return the browned meatballs to the pot.
Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the meatballs are cooked through.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until wilted.
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Ensure meatballs are small for quick cooking and to maintain the soup’s delicate balance.
For a richer broth, use a high-quality chicken broth or homemade stock.
Any small pasta shape like ditalini or pastina will work well.
This soup can be made ahead and reheated. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/italian-wedding-soup/