When we decided to make a pot of Quick Italian Wedding Soup we knew that it was packed with taste but not history as well. Have you ever made Italian Wedding Soup? This is the first time for us.
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Italian Wedding Soup -- The Legend
I know, that's terrible! You must be thinking how can I call myself Italian when I've never made the light soup that's in practically every Italian restaurant in America? Even The Olive Garden has soup that's similar -- Zuppa Toscana. So, today we're making Quick Italian Wedding Soup to remedy our oversight.
Do you think of soup when you think of weddings?
I don't. I think of cake, cookies, champagne, wedding buffets, chicken, pork, lots of things. But soup? Definitely not soup. The Italian wedding soup must pack one heck of a punch if it's a tradition at wedding receptions.
Now, it makes sense if you believe in the legend. The story goes that this particular dish gives the wedding couple . . . . ahem, extra stamina. An aphrodisiac! Whew! That's certainly a lot to ask a bowl of soup. 🙂
I'm trying to picture it! The bride and groom are dancing, mingling with the guests. It's been a long day; it's getting late in the evening, and everyone is tired.
Then out comes the soup. Woo! Hoo! Here comes the stuff that will give the energizer bunny get up and go! Eat it; the party is just beginning.
Italian Wedding Soup - The Truth
Sorry! I hate to ruin your fantasy, but the truth is that Italian wedding soup has nothing to do with nuptials. The marriage, in question, is between the meat {maritata} and the green vegetables { minestra}.
What would be more accurate is to call this dish a married soup versus a wedding soup.
Italian Wedding Soup has many variations. What is constant is that the soup contains some form of meat, green vegetable, and chicken broth.
Some recipes have pasta, and some have beans. Some people argue that the soup originally came from Spain where it was more of a stew. Then others claim that the recipe goes back to Roman times.
You can find more about the different ingredients used in minestra maritata here.
Quick Italian Wedding Soup - easy and bursting with taste
Our version of this classic Italian soup goes together very quickly once you form the meatballs. You make a soffritto, a combination of celery, carrots, and onion sautéed in olive oil. Add the seasonings then the diced smoked beef sausage. You then pour in the white wine, a rich broth in a Dutch oven or heavy pot.
Next, add the meatballs, creamy cannellini beans, and your choice of greens. We use arugula, fresh parsley, and finally, the tempered eggs in the simmering broth.
If you want a heartier soup, add another can of cannellini beans. You can also use small pasta like pastina, ditalini, or orzo.
Yes, indeed, the flavors are a match made in culinary heaven. We hope you try our Quick Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs and see if you don't believe theirs is a valid marriage.
If you're looking for another recipe to use meatballs, check out our on-pan Coq au Vin Blanc Turkey Meatball recipe. It blends French sophistication with weeknight ease. Do you prefer Asian flavors? Our Ginger Asian Meatballs served in lettuce cups make an adorable appetizer.
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📖 Recipe
Quick Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs Minestra Maritata
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- ½ cup Panko crumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan grated
- 4 Tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 eggs beaten
- 4 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ red pepper flakes
- pinch nutmeg
- ¾ lb. ground round
- ¼ lb. ground sausage
- For the soup:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 cup carrot diced
- 1 Tablespoon garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 3 bay leaves
- ¾ cup smoked beef sausage sliced in half-moons then in quarters
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cannelloni beans drained and rinsed (15 oz.)
- 2 cups fresh arugula or spinach
- ½ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 eggs beaten
- Shredded Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 F. Stir all of the meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly. Form meatballs using a small scoop or melon baller and place on foiled lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Do not overbake. **
- Sweat the vegetables, garlic, and seasonings in oil in a large pot or Dutch oven, covered, over medium heat until soft, about 10 minutes.
- Add the smoked beef sausage quarters and continue to cook an additional 2 minutes.
- Deglaze with wine; reduce until nearly evaporated. Stir in broth and bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered 15-20 minutes.
- Drop meatballs into simmering soup and cook gently until they float, 3-4 minutes. Add beans, arugula or spinach, and parsley, and cook just until the arugula or spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. ***
- Whisk eggs with some of the hot broth, then remove the soup from heat; stir in egg mixture.****
- Garnish soup with Parmesan
Notes
*** If you like more substance in your soup you can add another can of cannelloni beans and/or small pasta such as patina, ditalini, or orzo.
****The eggs add richness and a creamy texture to the soup. Be sure to whisk them together well with a little bit of the hot broth. Add a little more of the hot broth once that is whisked in. This is called "tempering" and will help prevent the eggs from cuttingly when added to the hot soup.
Nutrition
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Diana
What kind of sausage. Italian?
Catherine
Haha! Such a fun post to read, Marisa! I've always loved Italian Wedding Soup...such a hearty, comforting dish. This looks and sounds delish!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Catherine! Love soup -- it is so tasty and warming. Have a wonderful day!!
Veena Azmanov
Now that is so interesting! I know we have things in India too that are made just for weddings. Like Pickles, and stews.. You had to wait for a wedding to eat those! This sounds so delicious. Love the flavors in this one.
Marisa Franca
Well, Veena, this really isn't for weddings. The "wedding" is in reference to the marriage of flavors. It's kind of funny how they come up with names for dishes. It's really a very tasty soup.
Adriana Lopez Martin
This is pure comfort, nothing better than a nice meal on a rainy day like today. I need to prepare this dish to my husband he is going to love it.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Adriana! We are ready to make another pot of soup. It's our favorite lunch.
Veronika
I love this soup! It is so perfect for the fall season!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Veronika! Yes, it is good for warming up -- inside out.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife
There are so many yummy flavors in there! It sounds great! I will definitely be making this for fall!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Marlynn! We are due to make it again -- can't wait to have another bowlful.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
I have always wondered why it was called Italian "wedding soup"! Now I know. Makes sense! I love Italian Wedding Soup!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Joanna! We love the flavor, too. Very light and tasty!
Giselle Rochford
I've been sick for most of this week and I can really go for a giant bowl of soup right now even though I'm only just eating breakfast ?
Marisa Franca
I'm so sorry to hear you're not feeling well. Hopefully, you'll have your appetite back and are ready for some more sustenance. I wish I could send you a bowl of the soup. Get well soon!!
Molly Kumar
OMG Marisa, I never knew 'Italian Wedding Soup' had nothing to do with the wedding (read shocked). I always imagined it being served in Italian wedding as a part of the tradition. I'm sure many of us who have had it many times wouldn't know this fact. But I totally love the quick version you have here. It looks so easy to make and definitely healthy too.
ManilaSpoon
I often wondered why it was called the wedding soup whenever I saw it! Enjoyed reading about its history. All I can say is that this soup is a marriage of delicious flavors and textures! I say cheers to that!!!
Marisa Franca
I'll certainly toast that sentiment! Good food, good taste, and great company, YES!!
Alicia Taylor
I didn't realize this soup recipe had so much history! Thanks for sharing that. The story behind the food increases the richness of enjoyment!
Marisa Franca
I agree, Alicia! Some of the recipes I've read about are really funny and some are kind of sad. But the history does make it special.
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie
I was always curious about the name of this soup because you're right, I never think of it when I think of weddings. But it's so good!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Erin! I thought perhaps I was just at the wrong Italian weddings to have missed the soup. 🙂
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
Marisa, it was fun reading your post and I had a smile in my face all the time I was reading. There are few Indian recipes that is so common and I have never made them yet. The soup looks well 'married' and great!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Sandhya! I'm glad you enjoyed the post. There are so many recipes out there that I want to make -- and different cuisines too. I would like to try my hand at some Indian recipes, we like lots of flavor and I know those recipes deliver.
Hanady | Recipe Nomad
First off this looks amazing! Seriously amazing! It's been cold here lately so I'm always looking for healthy and easy soups to make. Can't wait to try this "marriage" soup!
Marisa Franca
Nothing like good soup to warm you from the inside out. 🙂 If you like Italian flavors, you'll really like the soup.
Wendy
Your information about the origins of Italian Wedding Soup and its name is fascinating. I really think I would like to be a food anthropologist in my next life! 🙂 Meatballs turn soup into a main dish meal. Even though your recipe is "quick" it is certainly full of flavor!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Wendy! So you too like investigating where a recipe originates. It is fascinating. Until I looked this up I thought the Wedding soup was a wedding tradition. 🙁
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ
I've never actually heard of Italian Wedding Soup but your pictures make it look absolutely delicious. I've always been a big fan of Italian food so I'm surprised I've never came across this one before.
Marisa Franca
If you like Italian food, Stephanie, you'll really like the soup. It's just loaded with flavor and those meatballs are delicious!
Megan Marlowe
I've always heard of Italian wedding soup but 1. Never tried it before and 2. always assumed it DID have something to do with weddings. I learned something new today. Not only that but I've realized I need to try this soup ASAP. I love the smoked beef sausage you used. I can imagine it packed the soup with so much flavor!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Megan! The soup is very tasty! It is just so simple but full of flavor. I'm craving some right now! 🙂
Byron Thomas
Marisa, this soup looks wonderfully delicious - and thanks for the lesson - marriage versus wedding! Haha! You most certainly do have a knack for making the most delicious looking meatballs. Yum!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Byron. We just like our meatballs -- any way we can get them. 🙂
Srivalli Jetti
Marisa what an interesting post. Very informative about Italian wedding and the soup..never thought meatballs will served with soup..those are some lovely pictures!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Scrivalli. We do enjoy our meatballs 😉
Frank
Thanks for the shout out, Marisa Franca!
Marisa Franca
You're welcome, Frank! I always love your recipes!
Martyn
I love a tasty soup and this looks perfect! Id have never thought to combine it with meatballs, will have to give it a go for sure 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hello, Martyn! It is really a very good soup. Many Italian families save it for special occasions but it's easy enough to make anytime. Let me know how you like it 🙂
Amanda Mason
Oh my goodness gracious! WOW! Beautiful pictures, especially the first two! LOVE! This recipe looks amazing! Thank you for sharing this post! Looks so amazing!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Amanda! That is so very nice of you to comment and give such nice compliments. I do hope you try it and it so very easy and delicious. If you make it, let me know what you think 🙂 Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Erin
I love this soup but have never made it at home. Thanks for the recipe, can't wait to try it.
Marisa Franca
Hi,Erin! It is such an easy soup to make - you'll wonder why you never made it before!
MyCookingSecrets.com | Krystallia Giamouridou
Love the Italian cuisine!!! No one is married at the moment from my family, but I' d loveeeee to cook this recipe! Looks delicious
Marisa Franca
Hello, Krystallia. Why don't you surprise the family and make it for them? I think they'd enjoy eating it. I've heard from some of my Italian friends their mothers made it at Christmas or for special holidays.
Cricket Plunkett
Wedding soup always reminds me of my Grandmother, and this recipe looks just as good as hers!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Cricket! I think every nonna had her own special version of Italian Wedding Soup 🙂
Chef Mireille
this is the perfect winter time one pot meal - I can definitely dig into this!
Marisa Franca
Yes it is, Mireille. We're already planning our next pot to share with the family.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
What a beautiful classic soup made right at home!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Rebecca! You'll have to try it! It's easy to make and delicious during these cold evenings!
Ciao Chow Linda
I've always loved this soup. My mom used to make it for holidays and special meals, with spinach and small bits of pasta. So many variations - and all delicious.
Marisa Franca
Our Italian friend Duke told us the same thing about his mamma. He fondly remembers long Sunday dinners with everyone enjoying the company and food!
Platter Talk
Beautiful pictures and recipe. Looking forward to trying.
Aish Das-Padihari
Even though I love Italian Wedding Soup, I have not made it yet. I should definitely try once.
Marisa Franca
Hello, Aish! If you'd make it you would probably make it all the time. It's not difficult.
Chiara
I wish we were neighbors , this Minestra Maritata looks delicious ! Un abbraccio
Marisa Franca
Grazie, Chiara! If we were neighbors I'd be bringing over lots of dishes for you to taste and rate. Un abbraccio forte
Rosemary
Looks and sounds delicious Marisa, to tell the truth I have never eaten it either. I must try it though. Great recipe.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Rosemary! Well, our family gave it a resounding thumbs up 🙂 I think your Italian would like it as well as the rest of the family.
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
I love this soup! I've never put wine into it. I can't wait to try it! Thank you for sharing.
Marisa Franca
You're welcome, Elaine! I love sharing great recipes 🙂
Jovina Coughlin
Our favorite soup. whenever the children visit, they ask me to make this soup. Love your recipe.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Jovina! I bet my kids would love it. I'll have to make it for them. I'm sure they'd love it. I want to share so many recipes with them, I don't think our kitchen and table would hold all of the dishes.
Lisa at celebrate creativity
Marisa, I learned something today. I've never heard of Wedding Soup before.
Your photos are looking great by the way. I know you must love your new camera.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Lisa. You'll have to make the soup for your family -- I think they'd love it. I'm still thinking about your beautiful soup bowls! And yes I am loving the new camera - I still have a lot to learn. Have a great day!