Italian Wedding Soup with Kale
Cozy Up with Classic Italian Wedding Soup
Looking for a heartwarming and flavorful soup to brighten your dinner table? Look no further than our delicious Italian Wedding Soup! This isn’t just any soup; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, packed with tender meatballs, delicate pasta, and a vibrant mix of spinach and kale. Traditionally served at Italian-American weddings (hence the name!), this soup is perfect for any occasion – a chilly weeknight, a family gathering, or simply when you’re craving something truly satisfying.
Our recipe strikes the perfect balance between tradition and ease. We’ve streamlined the process without sacrificing any of the authentic flavors you’d expect. The key is using high-quality ingredients and letting the flavors meld together beautifully. The small meatballs, seasoned with fresh basil and thyme, add a delightful texture and richness to the broth. And the addition of both spinach and kale provides a boost of nutrients and a lovely green hue.
What makes this Italian Wedding Soup special?
- Flavorful Meatballs: We use ground turkey breast for a lighter, healthier option, but you can substitute with ground beef or a mixture of both.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil and thyme are essential for that classic Italian flavor.
- Nutrient-Packed Greens: Spinach and kale add a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
- Delicate Pasta: Tubetini or small star pasta are traditional choices, but any small pasta shape will work.
Tips for the Best Italian Wedding Soup:
- Don’t overcrowd the pot: When browning the meatballs, work in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the broth throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Add a squeeze of lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors.
- Make ahead: This soup is even more flavorful the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use beef instead of turkey?
A: Absolutely! Ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork will work just as well.
Q: What kind of pasta is best for Italian Wedding Soup?
A: Traditionally, tubetini or small star pasta (stelline) are used, but any small pasta shape will do.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes! Substitute the turkey meatballs with vegetable meatballs or omit them altogether and add more vegetables.
Q: Can I freeze Italian Wedding Soup?
A: Yes, but the pasta may become a bit mushy. It’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta and add it when reheating.
Q: How can I make the meatballs more flavorful?
A: Add a pinch of grated nutmeg or a clove of minced garlic to the meatball mixture.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful Italian Wedding Soup! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey, breast only
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan Optional
- 1/2 tsp chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 10 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta tubetini or stars
- 6 oz baby spinach washed and trimmed
- 6 oz kale washed with stems removed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, bread crumbs, parmesan (if using), basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
- Add meatballs to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and kale and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
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