Italian Wedding Soup
Simple, filling, savory, and soooo delicious.
By @lucymakes_
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic
- 0.25 cup onion
- 0.33 cup fresh parsley
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 0.75 yellow onion
- 1.25 cups carrots
- 3 celery ribs
- 0.25 cup white wine
- 1 zucchini
- 3 cloves garlic
- 8 cups broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.75 cup acini de pepe pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 0 Parmesan cheese
- 0 fresh parsley
- 0 sourdough toast or croutons
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 1 lb of 80/20 ground beef, 1 beaten egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3 minced garlic cloves, about 1/4 cup minced onion, 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon ground fennel seeds (optional). Mix until well combined.
- Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and brown the meatballs in batches until they are browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- In the same pot, add about 3/4 of a diced yellow onion, 1 1/4 cups diced carrots, and 3 diced large celery ribs. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add 1/4 cup white wine to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
- Add 1 large diced zucchini and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in 8 cups of broth and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Add the browned meatballs back into the pot along with 3/4 cup of uncooked acini de pepe pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in 4-5 cups of fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and sourdough toast or croutons.