Italian Wedding Soup
Light broth with mini turkey-meatballs, escarole or spinach, and a small amount of pasta — Italian-American comfort.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Combine ground turkey, oats, egg, parmesan, half the garlic, half the parsley, and half the pepper in a bowl.
- b.Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- c.Form the mixture into 16 small, uniform meatballs.
TIPWet your hands slightly to prevent the turkey mixture from sticking while rolling. - 2
Step 2
- a.Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 6 minutes.
- b.Add the remaining garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Pour in the water and add thyme, salt, and the remaining pepper.
- d.Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Gently drop the meatballs and pasta into the simmering broth.
- b.Simmer for 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and pasta is tender.
- c.Stir in the spinach for 1 minute until wilted.
- d.Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and remaining parsley.
TIPAdd the lemon juice at the very end to keep the flavor bright and the greens vibrant.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor and firmer meatballs, you can pan-sear them in a little olive oil until browned on all sides before adding them to the broth.
- 2To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in leftovers, cook it separately and add it to individual bowls just before serving.
- 3If you can't find escarole, fresh spinach or kale are excellent substitutes. Add spinach at the very end as it wilts in seconds.
- 4Use a high-quality, flavorful chicken broth as it is the foundation of the soup's taste.
- 5The soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. It's best to freeze it without the pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat
For a lighter version, use ground chicken or turkey for the meatballs. You can also use all beef or all pork if you prefer.
GreensGreens
Substitute escarole with other leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
PastaPasta
Any small pasta shape works well. Try orzo, ditalini, or stelline (tiny stars).
VegetarianVegetarian
To make a vegetarian version, use a plant-based ground meat substitute for the meatballs, a rich vegetable broth, and an egg replacer or extra breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
The combination of ground beef and pork provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Carrots, celery, and escarole contribute essential nutrients like Vitamin A for vision, Vitamin K for bone health, and various antioxidants that help protect the body from cellular damage.
Provides Hydration
The broth-based nature of the soup contributes to your daily fluid intake, helping to keep you hydrated.
Comforting and Satisfying
As a warm, hearty soup, it provides comfort and satiety, making it a satisfying meal that can help regulate appetite and improve mood, especially in colder weather.
Frequently asked questions
A typical 1.5 cup serving of this Italian Wedding Soup contains approximately 550-600 calories, depending on the fat content of the meat and the amount of cheese used.