Chef John’s Italian Wedding Soup: A Deliciously Easy Recipe to Make at Home

Italian Wedding Soup, or *minestra maritata* in Italian, is a comforting and flavorful soup that’s much more than just a marriage of ingredients. It’s a harmonious blend of savory broth, tiny meatballs, leafy greens, and pasta, creating a deeply satisfying and surprisingly easy dish to make at home. While the name might suggest a connection to weddings, its true origin lies in the contrast of flavors – the ‘marriage’ of hearty greens and rich, meaty broth. And who better to guide us through this culinary union than the master of simple, delicious cooking, Chef John of Food Wishes?

This recipe, inspired by Chef John’s approach, emphasizes ease of preparation without sacrificing flavor. We’ll break down each component, providing detailed instructions and tips to ensure your Italian Wedding Soup is a resounding success. So, put on your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Why Chef John’s Approach is Perfect for Italian Wedding Soup

Chef John’s recipes are known for their straightforward instructions, practical tips, and emphasis on flavor. He often demystifies seemingly complex dishes, making them accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. His Italian Wedding Soup recipe is no exception. It focuses on building flavor through simple techniques and readily available ingredients, resulting in a soup that’s both delicious and manageable to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings.

* **For the Meatballs:**
* 1 pound ground pork (or a mixture of ground pork and beef)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

* **For the Soup:**
* 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
* 1 cup acini di pepe pasta (or other small pasta shape)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or escarole, or a combination)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, for garnish
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Equipment Needed

* Large bowl
* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Chef John’s Italian Wedding Soup

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s start cooking! We’ll break down the process into manageable steps.

Step 1: Preparing the Meatballs

1. **Combine the Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. **Mix Gently:** Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
3. **Form the Meatballs:** Using your hands, roll the mixture into tiny meatballs, about 1/2 inch in diameter. The smaller, the better! This is a key characteristic of Italian Wedding Soup.
4. **Set Aside:** Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet and set them aside while you prepare the soup base.

**Chef John’s Tip:** Don’t worry about perfectly round meatballs. A little imperfection adds character! Also, slightly wetting your hands can prevent the meat mixture from sticking.

Step 2: Building the Soup Base

1. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent.
2. **Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning:** Add the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. **Pour in the Broth:** Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 3: Cooking the Meatballs

1. **Add Meatballs to the Broth:** Gently drop the tiny meatballs into the simmering broth. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot. You may need to do this in batches.
2. **Simmer the Soup:** Simmer the soup for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. The meatballs will float to the surface when they are done.
3. **Skim the Surface (Optional):** If any foam or impurities rise to the surface, you can skim them off with a spoon for a clearer broth.

Step 4: Adding the Pasta and Greens

1. **Add the Pasta:** Add the acini di pepe pasta (or your chosen small pasta shape) to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package directions, or until the pasta is al dente.
2. **Add the Greens:** Stir in the roughly chopped spinach (or escarole, or a combination) into the soup. Cook until the greens are wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Seasoning and Serving

1. **Season to Taste:** Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the broth and Parmesan cheese already contain salt, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
2. **Serve Hot:** Ladle the Italian Wedding Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

**Chef John’s Tip:** For a richer flavor, you can add a rind of Parmesan cheese to the soup while it simmers. Remove the rind before serving.

Tips and Variations for Chef John’s Italian Wedding Soup

* **Meatball Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different ground meats for the meatballs. Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of pork or beef. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
* **Greens Variations:** While spinach and escarole are the most common greens used in Italian Wedding Soup, you can also use other leafy greens like kale, chard, or even arugula. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some greens take longer to wilt than others.
* **Pasta Variations:** Acini di pepe is the traditional pasta shape for Italian Wedding Soup, but you can use other small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or pastina. The key is to choose a pasta shape that’s small enough to complement the tiny meatballs.
* **Adding Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, yellow squash, or diced tomatoes. Add them along with the carrots and celery in Step 2.
* **Making it Vegetarian:** To make a vegetarian version of Italian Wedding Soup, omit the meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
* **Make Ahead:** Italian Wedding Soup is a great make-ahead dish. The flavors actually meld together and improve over time. You can make the soup a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving. If you are making it ahead of time, you may want to cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
* **Freezing:** Italian Wedding Soup can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Wedding Soup is a complete meal in itself, but it can also be served as a starter or side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
* **With a Salad:** Pair the soup with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **As a Starter:** Serve small bowls of Italian Wedding Soup as a starter for a larger Italian-themed meal.
* **With a Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** For a comforting and satisfying meal, serve the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 300-400 per serving
* Protein: 20-25 grams per serving
* Fat: 15-20 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams per serving

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Conclusion: A Soup Worth Celebrating

Chef John’s Italian Wedding Soup is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this soup is sure to be a hit. With its flavorful broth, tender meatballs, and vibrant greens, it’s a true celebration of Italian cuisine. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of culinary bliss! Buon appetito!

Enjoy Other Recipes

We have also curated the following list of delicious soup recipes that you might find interesting:

* [Recipe 1: Creamy Tomato Soup](https://www.example.com/creamy-tomato-soup)
* [Recipe 2: Chicken Noodle Soup](https://www.example.com/chicken-noodle-soup)
* [Recipe 3: French Onion Soup](https://www.example.com/french-onion-soup)
* [Recipe 4: Broccoli Cheddar Soup](https://www.example.com/broccoli-cheddar-soup)
* [Recipe 5: Minestrone Soup](https://www.example.com/minestrone-soup)

Disclaimer : Links provided above are for example only and don’t point to any real recipe. The user should substitute them with appropriate links that matches user choice.