Modern Version - Italian Wedding Soup
A comforting Italian wedding soup featuring tender meatballs, leafy greens, tiny pasta, and savory broth, perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, salt, egg or egg whites, pepper, bread crumbs, and grated onion. Form into tiny meatballs about 1/2 inch in diameter.
- Bring 6 cups of chicken broth to a slow boil in a 3-quart pot.
- Add the meatballs to the boiling broth and cook until done. Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the riso (tiny pasta) to the broth and cook until almost al dente, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped greens (bok choy, escarole, or spinach) to the broth. If using bok choy, add the white parts a couple of minutes earlier, then add the green parts for just a minute or two until wilted.
- Return the cooked meatballs to the soup and heat through.
- Stir in grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, and add an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if preferred.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding minced garlic or herbs like thyme and oregano to the meatball mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Using whole wheat bread crumbs can also enhance the nutrition. Be mindful when cooking the riso; it can easily overcook, so taste it frequently to ensure it reaches the perfect al dente texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup hot, garnished with extra grated cheese for added richness. A side of crusty bread or a fresh salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken And Linguine With Garlic Sauce or a light Antipasto platter. This comforting soup is perfect for any gathering or a cozy dinner at home.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing in individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore the desired consistency, and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Modern Version - Italian Wedding Soup contains roughly 140 calories, with 10g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1370mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance. Once formed, cover them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just cook them directly from frozen when adding to the soup.
What greens can I substitute for bok choy?
If you can't find bok choy, you can easily substitute with spinach, kale, or escarole. Each will bring a different flavor and texture, but all will work well in this soup. Just remember to adjust the cooking time depending on the greens you choose.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this soup, replace the meatballs with plant-based meat alternatives or create veggie patties using lentils or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add more vegetables like carrots and zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).