Hearty Italian Wedding Soup
Hearty Italian Wedding Soup is a beloved classic that embodies the warmth and joy of family gatherings. Traditionally served at weddings, this comforting dish is a staple in Italian households, reminding us of love, togetherness, and cherished memories. This recipe, inspired by my family's Scavo and Rotella heritage, features savory meatballs made from a blend of lean ground beef and pork, perfectly complemented by tender escarole and enriched with a silky egg and cheese mixture. It's a dish that brings smiles and warmth to your table, whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a taste of home.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
small onion
1 (chopped)
fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
egg
1 (beaten)
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
unseasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (for meatballs)
lean ground beef
8 ounces (for meatballs)
ground pork
8 ounces (for meatballs)
chicken broth
10 cups (for soup base)
escarole
1 lb (coarsely chopped)
eggs
2 (beaten)
parmesan cheese
2/3 cup (grated for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped onion, parsley, one beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
2
Gently stir in the grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs until evenly mixed.
3
Add the lean ground beef and ground pork to the mixture. Using your hands, mix the ingredients together until well combined.
4
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, making about 75 meatballs total. Place them on a baking sheet and set aside.
5
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
6
Once boiling, carefully add the meatballs and coarsely chopped escarole to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
7
In a separate bowl, whisk together the two beaten eggs and grated parmesan cheese. Slowly drizzle this egg mixture into the soup while stirring continuously with a fork to create thin strands of egg throughout the soup.
8
Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy the love in each bowl.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Italian Wedding Soup?
Hearty Italian Wedding Soup is a beloved classic Italian dish featuring savory meatballs, tender escarole, and a silky egg and cheese mixture, traditionally served at family gatherings and weddings.
What kind of meat is used in the meatballs?
The meatballs are made from a savory blend of 8 ounces of lean ground beef and 8 ounces of ground pork.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 75 meatballs in total.
What size should the meatballs be?
The meatball mixture should be formed into small 1-inch meatballs.
What type of greens are used in this Italian Wedding Soup?
This recipe uses 1 lb of coarsely chopped escarole.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 8 hearty servings.
What is the base of the soup?
The base of the soup is 10 cups of chicken broth.
How are the egg strands created in the soup?
Two beaten eggs and parmesan cheese are slowly drizzled into the boiling soup while stirring continuously with a fork to create thin strands.
What aromatics are used in the meatball mixture?
The meatballs include a small chopped onion, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, and 1/4 cup of fresh Italian parsley.
How much parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated parmesan in the meatballs and 2/3 cup for the soup and garnish.
Are the meatballs browned before adding them to the soup?
No, the meatballs are added directly to the boiling chicken broth to cook through.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer for about 10 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
What kind of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of unseasoned breadcrumbs for the meatballs.
How many eggs are used in the entire recipe?
A total of three eggs are used: one for the meatball mixture and two for the soup base.
What seasonings are added to the meatballs?
The meatballs are seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by the Scavo and Rotella family heritage.
What is the first step in making the meatballs?
The first step is to combine the chopped onion, parsley, one beaten egg, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
How do you prepare the escarole?
The escarole should be coarsely chopped before being added to the boiling broth.
What heat setting should be used to boil the broth?
The chicken broth should be brought to a boil over medium-high heat.
What tools are needed to form the meatballs?
You can use your hands to mix the ingredients and form the 1-inch meatballs.
Should the soup be served hot or cold?
This soup is best served hot to enjoy the warmth and flavors of the meatballs and broth.
Can I add extra salt and pepper?
Yes, it is recommended to taste the soup at the end and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
What are the main categories for this dish?
This recipe is categorized as European cuisine and falls under tags like Italian, soup, and comfort food.
What gives the soup its silky texture?
The silky texture comes from the egg and parmesan cheese mixture drizzled into the broth.
How do you ensure the meatballs are well mixed?
Using your hands to mix the beef and pork with the other ingredients ensures everything is evenly combined.
What is the total count of ingredients used?
There are 14 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish that brings smiles and warmth to the table.
What is the role of the fork in the recipe?
A fork is used to stir the soup continuously while drizzling the egg mixture to create thin strands.
Can this recipe be used for special occasions?
Absolutely, it is perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply for a taste of home.
How are the ingredients for the meatballs organized?
The onion, parsley, egg, and spices are mixed first, followed by cheese and breadcrumbs, and finally the meats.