Easy Italian Wedding Soup
You likely heard a lot about Italian wedding soup. Well, I think it’s time to give it a try and our easy recipe will help you do just that. Did you know we call it “zuppa maritata” in Italian?
Why is it called Wedding Soup though?
Italian wedding soup has a rich history dating back to the Campania region in Italy, with its origins believed to go as far back as the 1st century. The dish was first mentioned by the renowned gastronome Apicio in his old cooking book.
Despite its name, Italian wedding soup is not actually served at weddings in Italy, but rather the name is believed to come from a mistranslation of the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” which means “married soup.” The term “married” refers to the harmonious marriage of flavors in the soup, particularly the combination of greens and meat.
This hearty soup typically consists of a flavorful broth, tender meatballs, leafy greens like spinach or escarole, and small pasta such as orzo, acini di pepe or tubetti. The marriage of these diverse components creates a comforting and nourishing dish that has become a beloved staple in Italian cuisine.
Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Ingredients for meatballs
250 gr beef mince
1 egg
salt, pepper and oregano
2 tbsp parmesan
4 tbsp breadcrumbs
1 garlic clove
Rest of ingredients
1 onion
2 carrots
1 bowl baby spinach
thyme
2 vegetable stock cubes
200 gr tubetti pasta
How to make it
- Mix all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl.
- Make the balls, shaping them with your hands.
- Cook them in a large pan with a little oil until golden all around.
- In the meantime, chop your vegetables and stir fry with EVOO in a large pot.
- Melt your stock.
- Cover the vegetables with the stock and water.
- Double that amount of water and mix.
- Let it boil and then add the meatballs; let them cook for 10 minutes.
- Then, add the pasta in the same pot, and cook for 12 minutes.
- Serve with a drizzle of oil and some grated parmesan.
Other Hearty Italian Pasta Soups To Try
Beef Broth with Orecchiette Pasta
Italian Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
Italian Orzo Soup (coming soon)