ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP
This Italian
wedding soup consists of meatballs, vegetables and pasta simmered in salted
broth. The ideal way to warm up on a cold day!
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup uncooked acini di pepe pasta
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
FOR THE
CHICKEN MEATBALLS
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup Panko
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 pound chicken sausage, casing removed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS:
First, In
large bowl, combine ground chicken, chicken sausage, panko, parmesan cheese,
egg, oregano, basil, parsley and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to
taste. With a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until everything is well mixed.
Roll the mixture into 3/4 to 1 inch meatballs, forming about 25 to 30
meatballs.
Then, Heat 1
tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or oven over medium heat. Add meatballs
in batches and cook until all sides are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; put aside.
Add the rest
of the tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add garlic, onion, carrots and
celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in
thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in
chicken broth and bay leaves while whisking; bring to a boil. Stir in acini di
pepe, rosemary and meatballs; reduce heat and simmer until pasta is tender and
meatballs are cooked through, about 9-12 minutes.
Stir in
spinach, lemon juice and parsley until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes;
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
immediately, garnished with parmesan, if desired.
Happy
Cooking Time.
