Italian wedding soup is a soup with a lot of fans. The spinach, garlic, mini meatballs, and tiny pasta are the perfect marriage of flavors and texture in the mouth. Interestingly enough the term “wedding” was a mistake in translation of sorts. It was in reference to the flavors blending well, not that it was served at weddings.
This Italian recipe originated in Spain; the original version is heavier and contains more meats. It wasn’t until pasta became more affordable that it was added to Italian wedding soup.
Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients:
1 lb. lean mini sized meatballs
4 quarts chicken broth
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 large stalk of celery, coarsely chopped
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, or 2 teaspoons dried
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried
black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice
salt to taste
10 oz. package frozen spinach, thawed
8 oz. orzo, uncooked, or other tiny pasta
Directions:
1. Put the broth on to boil while chopping the vegetables.
2. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, seasonings, and lemon juice, but leave the salt for later.
3. Bring to a full rolling boil, then turn down the heat and cook until the carrots are very tender.
4. Add salt to taste.
5. Squeeze the thawed spinach gently to remove excess liquid, and add with the pasta.
6. Bring back to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Add the meatballs and simmer gently until the pasta is well done and the meatballs are hot.
What to Serve with Italian Wedding Soup
Italian wedding soup is hearty and filling, but it isn't perfect without a good side to go with it! Check out some of our suggestions for sides for this soup.
- Homemade bread. What's better than the smell of homemade bread filling your home? Not much. Homemade bread is a lot better than the store bought version, both in taste and in quality. Plus, it lacks the preservatives found in store bought bread.
- Crackers. Sometimes, all you need to compliment a good soup is some crackers. Grab your favorite brand from the store and serve a hearty amount with this Italian wedding soup.
- Grilled cheese. While grilled cheese is traditionally served with tomato soup, who's to say you can't switch it up? Make a grilled cheese to go along with your bowl of Italian wedding soup, and enjoy the extra savoriness.
- Cucumber sandwiches. These were much more common in decades past, but there's no reason you can't have one with your Italian wedding soup! This simple, crisp sandwich offers a nice crunch to your meal.
- Garlic breadsticks. Garlic breadsticks are among the most common side to serve with soup or pasta in America. Given that, you've got to consider serving them with your Italian wedding soup! Make your own, or grab some pre-made ones from your store or bakery.
- Caesar salad. Soup and salad is such a popular choice at restaurants, especially among those who don't want anything overly filling. Dress it up with your favorite dressing, and serve along with a big bowl of this soup!
- Air fryer cauliflower. Want something a little different to serve with your Italian wedding soup? Air fryer cauliflower is the way to go! This crunchy, delicious side is ideal for adults, since children have a higher sensitivity to the bitterness of cauliflower.
- Baked potatoes. Another side dish that's more uncommon to serve with soup is a baked potato. Baked potatoes are loved by so many, especially when they're served with a plethora of topping options. Consider what toppings you'd like to serve with your baked potatoes, or just serve them with sour cream.