Experience our Healthier Italian Wedding Soupโa perfect fusion of flavor and well-being. Picture tender turkey meatballs, lean ground turkey, parsley, and Parmesan, baked or sautรฉed. In a nutrient-rich broth with onions, carrots, celery, and red pepper flakes, paired with whole wheat orzo or acini de pepe pasta and spinach. Crowned with homemade pestoโbasil, Parmesan, and garlic. This guilt-free celebration invites you to relish thoughtfully selected ingredients, offering a comforting bowl that nourishes both body and spirit.
Ingredients:
- Lean ground turkey: Provides a healthier alternative to traditional meats.
- Parsley: Adds freshness and depth to the meatballs.
- Parmesan: Enhances savory flavors without excess sodium.
- Onions, Carrots, Celery: Create a flavorful base for the soup.
- Garlic: Infuses richness and aroma.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle kick for complexity.
- Spinach: Adds vitamins and color.
- Basil: Burst of herbal aroma.
Recipe Tips and FAQs:
What is Italian Wedding Soup?
Italian Wedding Soup is a classic known for its flavorful broth, meatballs, veggies, and pasta. Despite its name, it’s not served at weddings in Italy. The soup features small meatballs made from ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. The chicken-based broth is infused with onions, carrots, and celery, and it’s complemented by leafy greens and small pasta like orzo or acini de pepe. It’s a comforting and hearty Italian Wedding Soup, perfect for a nourishing meal.
Can I make the meatballs for this Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time and freeze them?
Certainly! Freeze Italian Wedding Soup meatballs for convenient prep. Shape, flash freeze for 1-2 hours, then store in airtight containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge and cook as directed for a quick and flavorful solution.
How long does the homemade pesto stay fresh?
Homemade pesto stays fresh for about 5-7 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. To extend freshness, add a thin layer of olive oil on top. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays or containers, and it can maintain quality for several months in the freezer.
Can I use pre-made pesto instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can absolutely use pre-made pesto instead of making it from scratch. It’s a convenient alternative that saves time without compromising the overall flavor of the Italian Wedding Soup. Just ensure to choose a high-quality store-bought pesto for the best taste.
What other vegetables can I add to the Italian Wedding Soup for extra nutrition?
You can enhance the nutritional content of the Italian Wedding Soup by adding various vegetables. Consider incorporating zucchini, bell peppers, or peas for extra vitamins, minerals, and a burst of color. These vegetables not only contribute to the nutritional value but also introduce diverse textures and flavors to complement the overall profile of the Italian Wedding Soup.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey for the meatballs?
Certainly, you can use ground chicken as a substitute for turkey in the meatballs. Ground chicken will provide a similar lean and versatile protein base for your Italian Wedding Soup. Adjust the seasonings as needed to complement the flavor profile of the ground chicken. Enjoy the flexibility to tailor the recipe to your preferences!
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Italian Wedding Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs (whole wheat for added health benefits or regular)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying (optional)
For the Soup:
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 6-8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo or acini de pepe pasta
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or frozen), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Homemade Pesto (optional):
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
For the Turkey Meatballs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, Italian bread crumbs, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients until well combined. If the mixture is too wet, you can add a bit more bread crumbs.1 lb ground turkey, 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 2 cloves garlic, Salt and pepper to taste
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- You can choose to bake the meatballs at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for about 15-20 minutes, or you can lightly pan-fry them in olive oil until they are browned and cooked through. Set aside.Olive oil for frying
For the Soup:
- In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.1 small onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, then cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.3 cloves garlic, A pinch of red pepper flakes
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.6-8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Add the orzo or acini de pepe pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.1 cup orzo or acini de pepe pasta
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and turkey meatballs. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the meatballs are heated through.4 cups fresh spinach
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.Salt and pepper to taste
For the Homemade Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts (if using), garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.1 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp pine nuts, 2 cloves garlic, Salt and pepper to taste
- While the processor is running, drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
To Serve:
- Ladle the Italian wedding soup into bowls, then drizzle a spoonful of homemade pesto over each serving. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious and healthier Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey Meatballs!
Video
@cookinglikekate Soup season is in full swing! Try our Italian Wedding Soup – topped with our homemade pesto! Full recipe at cookinglikekate.com #italianweddingsoup #soupseason #souprecipes #foodie #food #foodlover #foodtiktok #healthy #healthyfood #healthycooking #healthyrecipes #dinnerideas #dinner #familymeals #delicious #savory #winterrecipes #fallrecipes โฌ Little Things – Adrian Berenguer
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
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