Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Italian wedding soup is a comforting and delicious soup that originated in New Orleans but has since become beloved by many across the country. This hearty dish features ground meat, pasta, and various vegetables, all simmered together for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for cold days or to serve as an easy dinner during busy weeknights. If you're looking to try this classic recipe with your family or friends, here's how you can make it at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey (or any lean meat such as pork or beef)
• 2 cups small pasta shapes like orzo
• 4 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium stalks of celery, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• Paprika for garnish
• Italian seasoning or your favorite spice mix
• Chopped parsley (optional)

Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Steps to Prepare Italian Wedding Soup

Begin by preheating your oven or stovetop according to the type of pot you will be using. For this recipe, a large soup pot would work best. Add in the chopped vegetables and sauté them over medium heat until they are slightly soft but not browned.

Pour in the ground turkey along with the minced garlic, stirring constantly so that it cooks evenly without burning. Continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked through (no longer pink inside) which usually takes around 10 minutes. During this time, also add Italian seasoning and salt as per personal preference.

Once the meat has browned nicely, stir in the drained white beans and cover everything with water or chicken broth so that all ingredients are submerged well. Bring to a boil before lowering heat down significantly and allowing it to simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This helps meld flavors while also softening the pasta.

Meanwhile, bring another pot of salted water to a boil separately for cooking your pasta. Cook until al dente which means they should be tender yet still have some bite – typically around 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

After 30 minutes of simmering time has passed, add the cooked pasta back into the soup base along with more chicken broth if needed to reach desired consistency. Stir well so that every piece is coated thoroughly. Let this mixture heat up again for another few minutes before serving.

Toppings & Garnishes

To finish off your Italian wedding soup, consider adding some extra flavor layers by sprinkling on paprika right before serving or garnishing with fresh parsley if available. These small touches can elevate the dish from good to extraordinary depending upon individual taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Italian Wedding Soup is not only comforting but also quite versatile as you can experiment with different types of ground meats, herbs, and spices according to your personal tastes or dietary restrictions. It’s an excellent meal that can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for convenience when needed later on.

This flavorful soup serves up well for a family gathering or casual lunch date, providing both sustenance and enjoyment. Enjoy crafting this beloved dish in your kitchen today!