Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup

David Venable

Even though this soup may not be an authentic Italian recipe, it's definitely an American favorite. I used chicken meatballs to lighten it up just a bit.

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
  • 2 Tbsp dried breadcrumbs
  • 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp fresh parsley, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

To prepare the meatballs, preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine the chicken, onion, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg yolk, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper in a medium-size bowl. Using clean hands, mix thoroughly until well combined.
Form the chicken mixture into small balls, no more than 1'' round. They should be small. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until cooked through, 5-8 minutes. Let the meatballs cool on the baking sheet.
To prepare the soup, heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté just until soft, 6-8 minutes. Add the chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaves and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add the orzo and simmer until tender but still firm to the bite, 6-8 minutes. Add the meatballs and spinach to the soup and heat through, 5-8 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Garnish with fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano, if desired, before serving.

Soup

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp fresh thyme, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3/4 cup orzo
  • 1 (10-oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
  • Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (optional garnish)

Cook's Notes

Try substituting cannelini, garbanzo or fava beans instead of the orzo.

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