Savory Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs and Greens
Indulge in a warm bowl of Savory Italian Wedding Soup, a comforting blend of homemade meatballs, fresh greens, and delicate orzo pasta in a rich chicken broth. This delightful Italian classic, often served at celebratory occasions, is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. With each spoonful, enjoy the wholesome ingredients that come together to create a soup that feeds both the body and the soul. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this soup is a heartfelt dish that brings people together.
4
Servings
163
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1/2 lb (raw)
egg
1 (slightly beaten)
breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (plain)
parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (grated)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
chicken broth
5 3/4 cups (cooked)
escarole or spinach
2 cups (chopped)
orzo pasta
1/2 cup (uncooked)
carrot
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
grated parmesan cheese
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the lean ground beef, slightly beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, dried basil, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly and shape the mixture into small meatballs about 3/4 inch in diameter.
2
In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once the broth is boiling, carefully add the chopped escarole or spinach, uncooked orzo pasta, finely chopped carrot, and the meatballs to the pot.
4
Return the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
5
Stir the soup frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
6
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Information
6.3g
Fat
20g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this soup recipe?
The recipe is for Savory Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs and Greens.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this Italian Wedding Soup?
Each serving contains approximately 163 calories.
What type of meat is used for the meatballs?
The meatballs are made using 1/2 lb of lean ground beef.
Which greens are recommended for this soup?
You can use either chopped escarole or spinach for this recipe.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of uncooked orzo pasta.
How big should the meatballs be shaped?
The meatballs should be shaped into small rounds about 3/4 inch in diameter.
Do I need to cook the meatballs before adding them to the soup?
No, the raw meatballs are added directly to the boiling chicken broth to cook.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and meatballs are cooked.
What ingredients are used to season the meatballs?
The meatballs are seasoned with grated parmesan cheese, dried basil, and onion powder.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 5 3/4 cups of chicken broth.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 6.3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 20g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this soup provide?
There are 7.5g of protein per serving.
What is the recommended garnish for this soup?
The soup should be garnished with additional grated parmesan cheese to taste.
What role does the egg play in the meatball mixture?
The slightly beaten egg acts as a binder to help hold the meatballs together.
Are there any carrots in this Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/3 cup of finely chopped carrots.
Should the broth be boiling when adding ingredients?
Yes, you should bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat before adding the greens, pasta, carrots, and meatballs.
Why is it important to stir the soup frequently?
Frequent stirring prevents the orzo pasta from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of plain breadcrumbs.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting blend that is a heart-felt dish for family and friends.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, clear soup, meatball soup, healthy soup, and pasta soup.
How much onion powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
How much dried basil is added to the meat mixture?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick meal?
Yes, with a simmer time of only 10 minutes, it is designed to be easy to prepare.
What is the preparation state of the chicken broth?
The ingredient list specifies using cooked chicken broth.
Can I use grated parmesan inside the meatballs?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese is mixed directly into the meatball ingredients.
How much escarole or spinach is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of chopped escarole or spinach.
What is the overall description of the dish?
It is a delightful Italian classic with homemade meatballs, fresh greens, and delicate pasta in a rich broth.