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Italian Wedding Soup

Melt-in-your-mouth meatballs soaked into a flavorful broth, with chunks of carrot and spinach. And if that's not enough, those tiny bits of pasta will complete the Italian vibes.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs

  • 800 grams minced beef (substitute: 50% beef, 50% lamb)
  • 1 cup flat leaf parsley (chopped)
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/3 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (substitute grated pecorino)
  • 4 Tbsp cream
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the soup

  • 2 medium carrots
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 liter chicken stock (substitute: Vegetable/beef stock)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste (substitute: 1/2 cup tomato puree)
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 cup orzo (Substitute: any other small sized pasta)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach

Instructions
 

For the meatballs:

  • Add all the ingredients to the minced meat and mix well with hands until well incorporated.
  • Form into small balls of equal sizes.
  • Heat the olive oil in a deep pan/pot on medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and fry until golden on all sides. Take out from pan and set aside.

For the soup:

  • Finely dice the onion, celery and carrots.
  • In the same pan where you fried the meatballs (using the same oil remaining), add the onion, celery and carrots. Saute for 3 minutes on medium heat.
  • Add finely minced garlic, tomato paste and season with salt and pepper. Mix and saute for another 3 minutes.
  • Add the chicken stock, cover and let cook for 10 minutes on medium heat.
  • Now add the pasta, cover and cook for another 10 minutes (add more time if your pasta requires longer to cook).
  • Add the meatballs and spinach. Cover and let cook for 5 minutes.
  • ENJOY!!!

Notes

  • You could make extra meatballs and freeze some for later use as well (before frying). They keep well in the freezer for about a month.
  • You could swap the herbs for your favorite ones.
  • Add some chili flakes for some extra heat.
  • This paste tastes even better the next day, so make sure to make enough to have leftovers.
Keyword Comforting Soup, itailan soup, soup of the day, soup with meatballs