Mama’s Italian Wedding Soup: A Heartwarming Family Recipe

Italian Wedding Soup, or *minestra maritata* (married soup), is a comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening or any time you’re craving a taste of home. This recipe, passed down through generations, captures the essence of Mama’s cooking: simple, honest ingredients, and a whole lot of love. Forget the pre-made versions – this homemade soup is an absolute revelation, packed with tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and a rich, savory broth. The key to its incredible flavor lies in the quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail in each step. Prepare to be transported to an Italian kitchen with every spoonful!

## The Story Behind the Soup

While the name might suggest a soup served at Italian weddings, the term ‘married soup’ actually refers to the marriage of flavors between the greens and the meat in the broth. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Every family has their own unique take on this classic, and this is our family’s cherished version.

## What Makes This Recipe Special?

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients into a pot. It’s about layering flavors to create a depth that’s truly satisfying. Here’s what makes this particular Italian Wedding Soup recipe so special:

* **Homemade Meatballs:** Forget the store-bought stuff! These meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, seasoned with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs. They’re incredibly tender and add a wonderful richness to the soup.
* **Flavorful Broth:** The broth is the foundation of the soup, and we’re not skimping on flavor. Chicken broth is simmered with vegetables, herbs, and Parmesan rind for a deeply savory base.
* **Tender Greens:** Escarole is the traditional green used in Italian Wedding Soup, but spinach or kale can also be used. They add a slightly bitter note that balances the richness of the meatballs and broth.
* **Tiny Pasta:** Acini di pepe, also known as peppercorn pasta, is the classic choice for this soup. Its small size and delicate texture make it the perfect complement to the other ingredients. Ditalini is also a great substitute.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make Mama’s Italian Wedding Soup:

**For the Meatballs:**

* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor)
* 1/2 pound ground pork
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

**For the Soup:**

* 8 cups chicken broth
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional, but highly recommended!)
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 8 ounces escarole, spinach, or kale, washed and chopped
* 1/2 cup acini di pepe pasta (or ditalini)
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make Mama’s Italian Wedding Soup:

**Step 1: Make the Meatballs**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. **Shape the Meatballs:** Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1/2 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 40-50 meatballs. Smaller meatballs cook faster and are more traditional for this soup.
3. **Brown the Meatballs:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. They don’t need to be cooked all the way through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the soup.
4. **Remove and Set Aside:** Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Soup**

1. **Sauté the Vegetables:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to build the flavor base of the soup.
2. **Add Garlic and Spices:** Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
3. **Add Broth and Parmesan Rind:** Pour in the chicken broth and add the Parmesan cheese rind (if using). Bring the soup to a simmer.
4. **Simmer the Broth:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen.

**Step 3: Cook the Soup**

1. **Add the Meatballs:** Gently add the browned meatballs to the simmering soup.
2. **Cook the Meatballs:** Continue to simmer the soup, covered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
3. **Add the Pasta:** Stir in the acini di pepe pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
4. **Add the Greens:** Add the chopped escarole, spinach, or kale to the soup. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**

1. **Remove Parmesan Rind:** If you used a Parmesan rind, remove it from the soup before serving.
2. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to taste.
3. **Garnish and Serve:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for the Perfect Italian Wedding Soup

* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The best Italian Wedding Soup starts with the best ingredients. Use high-quality ground meat, fresh vegetables, and a good-quality chicken broth.
* **Don’t Overmix the Meatballs:** Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
* **Brown the Meatballs:** Browning the meatballs adds a depth of flavor to the soup. Don’t skip this step!
* **Simmer the Broth:** Simmering the broth for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and create a richer, more flavorful soup.
* **Add the Greens at the End:** Adding the greens at the end of cooking ensures that they don’t become overcooked and bitter.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Taste:** Everyone has different preferences when it comes to seasoning. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Make it Ahead:** Italian Wedding Soup is even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld together.
* **Freeze for Later:** This soup freezes well! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Meat:** You can use ground chicken or turkey in place of ground beef and pork.
* **Greens:** Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can be substituted for escarole.
* **Pasta:** Ditalini or orzo pasta can be used in place of acini di pepe.
* **Broth:** Vegetable broth can be used in place of chicken broth.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a little heat.
* **Lemon:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the soup.

## Serving Suggestions

Italian Wedding Soup is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs well with the following:

* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the broth.
* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is another great accompaniment to this soup.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
* **Grilled Cheese:** A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic pairing with tomato-based soups, but it also works well with Italian Wedding Soup.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350
* Fat: 20g
* Saturated Fat: 8g
* Cholesterol: 100mg
* Sodium: 800mg
* Carbohydrates: 20g
* Fiber: 3g
* Sugar: 5g
* Protein: 25g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Mama’s Secret Ingredient: Love

Okay, so maybe it’s not *technically* an ingredient, but the most important thing you can add to any recipe, especially this one, is love. Cook with care, enjoy the process, and share your creation with the people you love. That’s what Mama would do, and that’s what makes this soup so special.

## Printable Recipe Card

**(You can add a printable recipe card here using a WordPress plugin like WP Recipe Maker or similar.)**

Enjoy this taste of home, and let me know in the comments how your soup turned out! Buon Appetito!