Cold days are a perfect time to make a hearty soup for your family. I'm always fascinated by the history or origin of different foods and customs and this one got me thinking. Funny how this soup's interesting name doesn't tell it's real origin. Turns out Italian Wedding soup in Italy is known as "minestra maritata" or "wedded broths" it's a combination or "marrying" of vegetables, broth and meat, typically pork.
You'll find many different versions or variations of this classic soup. Like many other soups, it was created as a budget friendly way to feed a family utilizing leftovers and scraps as to not be wasteful.
Learn more below:
- Italian Wedding Soup Has Nothing To Do With Actual Weddings
- Why Is It Called Italian Wedding Soup: Origin And More
 photostorm from Getty Images Signature via Canva |
Macaroni Tip: You can adjust the recipe to suit your family's tastes or dietary needs or to use ingredients you happen to have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb of ground meat - your choice or vegetarian substitute
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 2 Tbsp. dried breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 5 3/4 cups broth - chicken, vegetable or your preference
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup uncooked mini shells - or any small pasta like orzo
- 1/3 cup finely chopped carrot
Directions:
- In a medium bowl combine ground meat, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil, and onion powder - Shape into 3/4 inch balls
- Using a large sauce pan, heat the broth to boiling
- Stir in spinach, carrot, pasta, and meatballs
- Return to a boil then reduce the heat to medium
- Cook for another 10 minutes - Stir frequently to prevent meatballs from sticking
- Let cool for about 15 minutes before serving - Put in bowls and sprinkle grated parmesan on top!
The soup is so hearty that you do not need to serve it with anything else . . . but my kids love it when I serve it with warm bread. I usually double the recipe and freeze the leftovers for a quick meal when I need one.
Note: You may have to add extra broth if you reheat the next day, the pasta will soak up all of the excess liquid
This previously shared article has been updated December 28, 2022
