Craving a comforting, yet quick and easy Italian-inspired meal? Look no further than Italian Wedding Soup, a delightful and hearty dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. This traditional soup, also known as "minestra maritata," is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients. Let's dive into a simple, SEO-optimized recipe that you can whip up in no time.
Ingredients for Quick and Easy Italian Wedding Soup
Before we start, gather your ingredients. This recipe serves 6-8 people and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green leafy vegetables (like spinach or escarole) | 1 lb (450g) |
| Ground beef or Italian sausage | 1 lb (450g) |
| Onion | 1 medium, finely chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 2-3, minced |
| Carrots | 2 medium, diced |
| Celery stalks | 2, diced |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups (1.4L) |
| Ditalini pasta | 1 cup (180g) |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup (25g), grated |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's start cooking this quick and easy Italian Wedding Soup.
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Greens
Stir in ditalini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Add green leafy vegetables, cover the pot, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the greens wilt and the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the Italian Wedding Soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy your quick and easy, yet comforting and nutritious meal!
Buon appetito!