Healthy Food Recipes: Always from Scratch Italian Wedding Soup

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup small pasta (such as acini de pepe or orzo)
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Cook:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken/turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, 2 cloves minced garlic, egg, parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
2. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside.
3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring the chicken broth to a boil over high heat.
4. Add the pasta, kale/spinach, carrots, celery, onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, oregano, and basil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the vegetables are softened.
5. Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Cook’s Note:

• For a heartier soup, you can add small pasta shells or ditalini instead of acini de pepe or orzo.
• Substitute other greens, such as spinach or escarole, if you prefer.
• Make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them for a quicker assembly on the day of serving.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• This soup freezes well, so you can make a large batch and enjoy it later.

The Italian Wedding Soup is a classic dish that combines flavorful meatballs, tender vegetables, and a comforting broth. By making this recipe from scratch, you can control the ingredients and ensure a healthier, more nutritious meal.

The ground chicken or turkey meatballs are the star of the show, providing a lean protein source. The breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese help bind the meatballs together, while the garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper add depth of flavor.

The soup base is made with low-sodium chicken broth, which is a great way to reduce the amount of sodium in the dish. The addition of kale or spinach, carrots, celery, onion, and herbs like oregano and basil pack the soup with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

The small pasta, such as acini de pepe or orzo, adds a nice texture and heartiness to the soup, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

One of the great things about this recipe is that it can be easily customized to suit your preferences. If you prefer a heartier soup, you can swap in small pasta shells or ditalini. Spinach or escarole can be used in place of kale, depending on your taste.

Preparing the meatballs ahead of time and freezing them can also make the assembly process on the day of serving much quicker. This is a great tip for busy weeknights or when you want to have a healthy, homemade meal ready to go.

Serving the Italian Wedding Soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad makes it a complete and balanced meal. The soup also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and enjoy it later, making it a convenient and nutritious option for meal planning.

Overall, this Healthy Food Recipes: Always from Scratch Italian Wedding Soup is a delicious and wholesome dish that showcases the benefits of cooking from scratch. With its flavorful meatballs, nourishing vegetables, and comforting broth, it’s a recipe that the whole family will love.