Audry’s Italian Wedding Soup for Mom

🍲 Audry’s Italian Wedding Soup 🇮🇹 for Mom ❤️

Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful and comforting dish, traditionally made from a combination of meatballs, greens, and pasta in a flavorful broth. The term “wedding” in the name doesn’t actually refer to weddings, but rather the perfect marriage of flavors in this soup. It’s a popular Italian-American dish that has a heartwarming history and a delicious taste.

History:
The origins of Italian Wedding Soup are a bit uncertain. Some believe it hails from Italy, while others attribute it to Italian immigrants in the United States. The term “wedding soup” is thought to be a mistranslation of the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” which means “married soup,” referring to the perfect union of ingredients in the dish.

Components:

1. Meatballs: Typically, the meatballs are made from a mixture of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and seasonings like garlic, parsley, and sometimes a hint of nutmeg.
2. Greens: Common choices include escarole, endive, or spinach. These greens add freshness and color to the soup.
3. Pasta: Tiny pasta like acini di pepe or small pastina is used.
4. Broth: Chicken or beef broth forms the base of the soup and infuses it with rich, savory flavor.
5. Seasonings: Garlic, onions, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese are often used for seasoning.

Preparation:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing Audry’s Italian Wedding Soup:

Ingredients:

• Meatballs
• Greens (e.g., escarole or spinach)
• Small pasta
• Chicken or beef broth
• Garlic, onions, parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Prepare the meatballs by mixing ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
2. Heat a large pot and sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they turn translucent.
3. Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the meatballs one by one and cook until they’re no longer pink in the center.
4. Add the small pasta to the boiling broth and cook until al dente. The pasta will absorb some of the flavorful broth.
5. Stir in the chopped greens and simmer until they wilt and become tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Time Needed:
The time required for preparing Italian Wedding Soup depends on your cooking experience, but it typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour from start to finish.

This soup is not just delicious but also an excellent tribute to Italian culinary heritage. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a comforting meal for Mom, it’s a recipe that’s sure to please. Enjoy! 😋🇮🇹👩‍🍳

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Italian Wedding Soup:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 250-300 calories
• Protein: 15-20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
• Fat: 10-12 grams
• Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
• Cholesterol: 30-40 mg
• Sodium: 700-900 mg (varies based on broth and seasoning)
• Potassium: 350-450 mg
• Vitamin A: 20-25% of the daily recommended intake
• Vitamin C: 10-15% of the daily recommended intake
• Calcium: 10-15% of the daily recommended intake
• Iron: 10-15% of the daily recommended intake

Health Information:
Italian Wedding Soup can be a nutritious and satisfying dish, but its exact nutritional content can vary depending on the specific ingredients and recipe variations. Here are some health considerations:

1. Protein: The meatballs provide a good source of protein. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health.

2. Carbohydrates: The small pasta and vegetables contribute carbohydrates, which are a source of energy.

3. Fiber: The greens and small pasta provide some dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.

4. Fats: While the soup contains fats, they are mainly from the meatballs and can be controlled by using lean meat and minimal oil.

5. Sodium: The sodium content can be quite high, especially if you use commercially prepared broth. Consider using low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.

6. Vitamins and Minerals: Italian Wedding Soup contains various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron. These nutrients are essential for overall health and immune function.

7. Customization: You can make the soup healthier by using leaner meat for the meatballs, whole wheat pasta, and incorporating more vegetables for added nutrition.

As with any dish, moderation and ingredient choices can help make Italian Wedding Soup a balanced and nutritious part of your diet. Enjoying it as part of a well-rounded meal plan can make it a delicious and wholesome option. 🍲🥦🍅🥖🥗