Italian Wedding Soup
Cozy Up with Classic Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup, or Zuppa Nuziale as it’s known in Italy, is a heartwarming and flavorful soup traditionally served at Italian-American weddings – hence the name! But you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy this comforting dish. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, a comforting lunch, or anytime you crave a taste of Italy.
This recipe delivers all the classic flavors you expect: tender meatballs simmered in a light and flavorful broth, delicate orzo pasta, and a generous helping of fresh spinach. The addition of lemon juice brightens everything up, creating a truly delightful experience.
What makes this Italian Wedding Soup special? We’ve focused on building layers of flavor. The meatballs are seasoned with a blend of Italian herbs and spices, and the broth is infused with the sweetness of carrots and celery. The spinach adds a beautiful color and a boost of nutrients.
Tips for the Best Italian Wedding Soup:
- Meatball Magic: Don’t overwork the meatball mixture. Gently combine the ingredients for tender meatballs.
- Broth is Key: Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Homemade is even better!
- Orzo Timing: Add the orzo according to package directions to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
- Freshness Matters: Add the spinach right before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Parmesan Power: Don’t skimp on the grated Parmesan cheese! It adds a salty, savory finish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! The soup can be made a day or two ahead of time. The orzo may absorb some of the broth, so you may need to add a little more broth when reheating.
- Can I use different meat for the meatballs? Absolutely! You can use a combination of ground turkey and ground beef, or even ground chicken.
- Can I add other vegetables? Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or kale.
- Is this soup gluten-free? No, this recipe contains orzo pasta, which is not gluten-free. You can substitute gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, but the texture of the orzo may change slightly. It’s best to freeze the soup without the orzo and add it when reheating.
Get ready to savor a bowl of authentic Italian comfort! This Italian Wedding Soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey breast
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp water
- 0.5 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp oil for cooking meatballs
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 medium carrots diced
- 3 stalks celery diced
- 1 tbsp oil for soup
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 6 oz orzo
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 4 cups spinach
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine ground turkey, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, water, and breadcrumbs. Form into small meatballs.
- Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions.
- Return meatballs to the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in lemon juice.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Share this:
Discover more from Resoupies
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
