Italian Wedding Soup, or “Minestra Maritata,” is a comforting Italian dish that combines tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and small pasta in a flavorful broth.
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what is italian wedding soup ?
Italian Wedding Soup, or “Minestra Maritata,” is an authentic and flavorful dish that combines the rich flavors of meat and greens. Despite its name, it’s not typically served at Italian weddings; rather, “wedding” refers to the harmonious blend of ingredients. This best italian wedding soup contains tender meatballs made from pork and beef, simmered in a flavorful broth enriched with carrots, celery, spinach, and orzo or other small pasta. Chickpeas or cannellini beans add texture and nutrition. Each spoonful offers a comforting taste of Italy, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, reflecting the Italian tradition of creating meals that bring people together. traditional italian wedding soup recipe courtesy by ina garten italian wedding soup.
Italian wedding soup ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Homemade chicken stock or low-sodium broth | 2 quarts |
| Carrot, finely diced | 1 large |
| Celery rib, finely diced | 1 |
| Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper | To taste |
| Orzo | 1/4 cup |
| Ground pork | 1 pound |
| Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano | 1/4 cup, plus more for serving |
| Dry bread crumbs | 1/4 cup |
| Baby spinach, chopped | 5 ounces |
| Chickpeas, drained and rinsed | One 15-ounce can |
Best Italian wedding soup’s Directions
- Prepare the Stock: In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil along with the finely diced carrot and celery. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo to the boiling stock and cook until it’s al dente, which should take about 7 minutes.
- Make the Meatballs: While the orzo is cooking, combine the ground pork, 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, bread crumbs, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a bowl. Knead the mixture well and form it into small, 1-inch meatballs.
- Add Meatballs to Soup: Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling soup. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Chickpeas: Stir in the chopped spinach and drained chickpeas. Allow the soup to simmer until the meatballs are fully cooked, which will take an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and pass around extra grated Parmigiano-Reggiano at the table for those who want a little more cheesy goodness.
This homemade easy italian wedding soup, with its tender pork meatballs and hearty vegetables, is sure to bring warmth and comfort to any meal. This is the easy italian wedding soup recipe.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 35 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Protein | 23 g |
| Sodium | 930 mg |
| Cholesterol | 83 mg |
Why is it called Italian wedding soup in the US?
The term wedding soup comes from a mistranslation of the Italian language phrase minestra maritata (‘married soup’). Minestra maritata more directly translates to ‘wedded broths’.
What are the key ingredients of wedding soup?
Italian wedding soup typically includes meatballs, greens like spinach, chicken broth, small pasta like acini di pepe, garlic, onions, and Parmesan cheese for a savory and comforting dish.
What is the difference between Italian wedding soup and wedding soup?
Italian wedding soup and wedding soup are often used interchangeably. Both typically feature meatballs, greens, and broth. The term “Italian wedding soup” specifically highlights its Italian origins and traditional ingredients like Parmesan cheese and sometimes pasta. “Wedding soup” may refer to similar soups across different culinary traditions.