Minestra Maritata: A Hearty Italian Wedding Soup
Minestra Maritata, often referred to as Italian Wedding Soup, is a deeply flavorful and satisfying soup that showcases a marriage of rich meats and hearty greens. This traditional Italian dish combines tender pieces of pork, sausage, and a variety of vegetables, creating a soul-warming experience for the entire family. A true celebration of Italian culinary traditions, Minestra Maritata is a perfect dish for any occasion, from cozy dinners to festive gatherings.
Category: First Course
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salt (fine) | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Pork Skin (Cotenna di Suino) | 450g |
| Sausage (Salsiccia) | 300g |
| Pork Ribs (Costine di Maiale) | 600g |
| Pork (Maiale) | 500g |
| Celery (Sedano) | 1 stalk |
| Onion (Cipolla) | 1 |
| Carrot (Carota) | 1 |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP (Grated) | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Olio Extravergine d’Oliva) | To taste |
| Black Kale (Cavolo Nero) | 600g |
| Escarole (Scarola) | 600g |
| Chicory (Cicoria) | 500g |
| Swiss Chard (Bietole) | 500g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by roughly chopping the celery, onion, and carrot. Place these chopped vegetables into a large pot filled with water. Cook the mixture on low heat for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to begin to meld together. -
Prepare the Meats
While the vegetables are cooking, clean and chop the pork skin and sausage into smaller pieces. Add the pork ribs, foot, pork skin, and sausage to the pot. Stir occasionally, skimming off the foam that forms on the surface of the broth with a slotted spoon. -
Clean and Cut the Greens
While the meats are simmering, carefully wash and prepare the Swiss chard, black kale, escarole, and chicory. Remove any tough stems, chop the greens into large pieces, and set them aside. -
Cook the Broth
After the meat has fully cooked, turn off the heat and remove the meat from the pot. Strain the broth to remove any impurities. Allow the broth to cool slightly before covering it with plastic wrap and refrigerating for about 15 minutes to allow any excess fat to solidify. -
Prepare the Meat
While the broth is cooling, carefully remove the bones from the cooked meats. Cut the meat into smaller pieces, discarding any bones and unwanted fat. This step is key to achieving tender, bite-sized pieces of meat that will blend seamlessly with the soup. -
Remove the Fat
Once the broth has cooled and the fat has solidified on the surface, remove it carefully with a spoon, leaving behind a leaner broth. -
Cook the Greens
Add the prepared greens to the pot, including the Swiss chard, black kale, escarole, and chicory. Let them simmer over medium heat for approximately 30 minutes, covered, until the vegetables have softened. -
Reintroduce the Meat
Once the greens are nearly cooked, add the chopped meat back into the pot. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to absorb the richness of the meat and vegetables. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop further. -
Serve and Enjoy
After the resting period, your Minestra Maritata is ready to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with a touch of extra virgin olive oil. Add a generous sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano for extra depth of flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy the hearty, flavorful combination of meats and greens.
Tips for Success
- Broth Variation: For an even richer flavor, feel free to add a piece of beef or chicken to the pot along with the pork and sausage. This will create a more complex, layered broth.
- Greens: The combination of greens is essential to the traditional flavor of Minestra Maritata. If any of the greens listed are unavailable, you can substitute with other hearty greens such as kale or spinach, but the specific blend contributes to the dish’s unique taste.
- Resting the Soup: Letting the soup rest after cooking allows the flavors to marry properly, creating a more flavorful and satisfying dish.
Minestra Maritata, with its rich broth and tender meat, is not just a soup but a heartwarming Italian tradition that brings families and friends together. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or a cozy meal at home, this soup is sure to bring comfort and joy to your table. Enjoy!
