Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef and ground pork. Add the fresh white bread crumbs, chopped parsley, minced oregano, shredded Parmesan, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until everything is combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 3/4 inch to 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a large plate, making sure they do not stick together.
Cooking the Meatballs
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the meatballs in a single layer and cook, turning them occasionally to brown on a few sides for about 4 minutes. Move the browned meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Repeat this for the remaining meatballs.
Making the Soup
- While the meatballs are browning, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they're softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the dry acini di pepe or orzo pasta along with the partially cooked meatballs. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and let the meatballs cook through.
- In the last minute of cooking, add the roughly chopped fresh baby spinach to the soup and stir until wilted.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving with finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Serve Italian Wedding Soup hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Pair with crusty bread for dipping or enjoy alone. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months without pasta to prevent mushiness.