Description
A heartwarming and comforting soup filled with tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and a rich, savory broth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo)
- 4 cups chopped escarole or spinach
- Fresh lemon juice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meats, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form small meatballs (about 1-inch in size).
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté meatballs until golden brown on all sides; remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add more oil if needed and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until softened.
- Add chicken broth, water, and seasonings; bring to a gentle boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 6-8 minutes.
- Return meatballs to the pot along with greens; allow to wilt for a few minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
- Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, use vegetarian meatballs and vegetable broth. Always taste as you go to ensure the seasonings are balanced.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Italian soup, wedding soup, comfort food, meatballs, family recipe
