Wedding Soup Recipe: Classic Cleveland-Inspired Delight

Introduction

Wedding Soup, a beloved classic rooted deeply in the culinary traditions of Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Youngstown, offers a harmonious blend of hearty broth, tender chicken, and flavorful meatballs. Its name, often misinterpreted, actually refers to the tradition of a wedding feast where this soup was served as a celebratory dish, symbolizing unity and abundance. This recipe, shared through Love With Recipes, is a comprehensive guide to creating an authentic, soul-warming Wedding Soup that’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any occasion that calls for comfort food with a rich history. Preparing this soup is an immersive experience that involves multiple stages—from slow-cooking whole chickens to developing complex flavors in the broth, and crafting delicate meatballs that melt in your mouth. The result is a vibrant, nourishing bowl of goodness that embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort and culinary tradition.

Time

Preparing this Wedding Soup is a journey that spans over several hours, allowing flavors to develop beautifully and ingredients to meld harmoniously. The total estimated time is approximately 6 hours, broken down as follows:

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 5 hours

This extended cooking time ensures a deeply flavored broth, tender shredded chicken, and perfectly cooked greens and vegetables. Patience is key—this is a labor of love, and the results are undeniably worth the wait.

Needed Equipment

To craft this exquisite Wedding Soup, gather the following essential kitchen tools and equipment:

• Large Stockpot or Heavy-Duty Dutch Oven: Capable of holding at least 24 quarts for boiling whole chickens and simmering the soup.
• Slotted Spoon: For removing cooked chickens and skimming fat from broth.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: For chopping vegetables, herbs, and shredding chicken.
• Cutting Boards: At least two, to prevent cross-contamination between raw chicken and vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurement of ingredients like parsley, eggs, and Parmesan cheese.
• Mixing Bowls: To prepare meatballs and beat eggs.
• Whisk or Fork: For beating eggs and mixing ingredients.
• Fine Mesh Strainer or Colander: To rinse greens thoroughly.
• Kitchen Tongs: For handling hot ingredients and greens.
• Soup Ladles: For serving the finished soup.
• Grater: For Parmesan cheese.
• Thermometer (Optional): To ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature (165°F/74°C).
• Slow Cooker or Additional Pot (Optional): for making and storing meatballs in advance.

Tags

Classic, Comfort Food, Family Favorite, Traditional, Hearty, Soups & Stews, Italian-American, Crowd-Pleaser, Homemade

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 24 to 48 bowls of Wedding Soup, making it ideal for large gatherings or meal prepping. Serving size per bowl is approximately 1 cup, but portions can be adjusted based on appetite and occasion.

Difficulty Level

This recipe is considered moderately advanced due to the multiple steps involved—from roasting chickens to preparing meatballs and simmering the soup for hours. However, with patience and attention to detail, even home cooks with basic skills can master this dish. The process is rewarding, and the end result is well worth the effort.

Allergen Information

This dish contains:

• Eggs: Present in the meatballs and egg wash.
• Dairy: Parmesan cheese added for flavor.
• Chicken: Main protein source.
• Vegetables: Endive, escarole, onion, carrot, parsley.

For those with specific allergies, substitutions (such as dairy-free cheese) can be considered.

Dietary Preference

This recipe is gluten-free if Parmesan cheese without added fillers is used, and if you ensure meatball ingredients are gluten-free. It is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it suitable for low-carb or keto diets when adjusted accordingly. Vegetarians or vegans can modify by substituting chicken with plant-based proteins and omitting eggs and cheese.

Course

Appetizer, Main Course, Comfort Food

Cuisine

American, Italian-American, Regional

Ingredients

In-Depth Ingredient Breakdown

Instructions

Step 1: Roasting and Preparing the Chicken

Begin by selecting two high-quality whole chickens, which serve as the foundation of this hearty soup. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water, removing any residual giblets or innards if included. Pat dry with paper towels. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chickens on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a roasting pan. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the skin turns golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Rest the chickens for 15 minutes before handling to allow juices to redistribute, which ensures moist meat. While roasting, prepare your stockpot for broth preparation.

Step 2: Making the Broth

In a colossal stockpot (preferably 24 quarts for ample capacity), combine 24 cups of water and 24 cups of chicken broth. The use of both water and broth enhances flavor complexity. Bring this mixture to a vigorous boil over high heat. Carefully add the roasted chickens into the boiling liquid. Reduce the heat to low and maintain a gentle simmer. Cover partially to prevent excessive evaporation. Let the chickens cook in this broth for about 2 hours. During this time, periodically skim off any foam or excess fat that rises to the surface to keep the broth clear and clean. This slow-cooking process extracts maximum flavor, resulting in a rich and aromatic base.

Step 3: Shredding the Chicken

Once fully cooked, remove the chickens from the broth using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place them on a large cutting board and let them cool slightly—around 10-15 minutes. Carefully remove the skin, then use your fingers or two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard bones and excess fat. Return the shredded chicken to the broth, which will now be infused with the richness of slow-cooked poultry. This step ensures tender, flavorful meat distributed evenly throughout the soup.

Step 4: Preparing the Greens and Vegetables

While the chicken cools, thoroughly rinse the endive and escarole under cold running water. Use a fine mesh strainer for best results. Tear the greens into manageable bite-sized pieces—roughly 1 to 2 inches—removing any tough stems. Add these greens directly into the broth, which will cause them to wilt and enhance the flavor profile. Dice the onion and carrot finely, then add these along with the chopped parsley. Stir gently to combine. Continue cooking over medium-low heat until the greens are tender and the vegetables have softened—approximately 30 minutes.

Step 5: Preparing the Meatballs

While the greens cook, prepare the mini meatballs. In a mixing bowl, crack in the eggs and beat until well combined. Add grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and a small amount of parsley if desired. Form small meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter, using your hands or a small scoop. For better texture, you might combine ground chicken (if available) with breadcrumbs, but traditional recipes favor just the chicken meat and eggs. Place the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can also prepare these in advance and refrigerate until ready to add to the soup.

Step 6: Cooking the Meatballs

Gently drop the prepared meatballs into the simmering broth, ensuring they are submerged. As they hit the hot liquid, they will begin to cook through, floating to the surface when done. Bring the broth back to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow the meatballs to cook for about 30 minutes, which ensures they are fully cooked and flavors meld with the broth. Use a slotted spoon to test one for doneness—juices should run clear, and the interior should be firm.

Step 7: Egg Drop Technique and Final Simmer

Once the meatballs are cooked, gradually beat the eggs in a bowl until uniform. Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the bubbling soup in a thin stream while gently stirring the soup with a ladle or spoon. This technique creates delicate, silky egg ribbons throughout the broth, enriching the texture and adding a luxurious mouthfeel. After pouring in the eggs, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for an additional 2 hours. This long, gentle simmer allows all the flavors to fully meld, and the eggs to set into fine strands that add body to the soup.

Step 8: Seasoning and Serving

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the Parmesan adds saltiness, so season gradually. Ladle the hot, steaming wedding soup into bowls, garnishing each with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with crusty bread, garlic knots, or your favorite side to complete the hearty experience.

Preparation Tips

• Choosing Chickens: Opt for organic, free-range chickens for optimal flavor and tenderness. The quality of the poultry directly impacts the broth’s richness.
• Making Broth: For an even more flavorful broth, consider roasting the chickens with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic before boiling.
• Greens: Fresh endive and escarole provide a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the chicken and eggs. For a milder flavor, substitute with spinach or kale.
• Meatballs: To keep meatballs tender, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Lightly handle the mixture and avoid pressing too hard when forming balls.
• Egg Drop: Pour the eggs slowly while stirring gently to create fine, delicate strands. For a different texture, you can also scramble the eggs in the broth and gently chop them into small pieces.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of dry white wine or a few sprigs of fresh thyme during simmering for extra depth.
• Make Ahead: Prepare and refrigerate or freeze the broth and meatballs separately. Reheat and assemble just before serving for quick meals.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, tofu, or plant-based proteins, and omit eggs and cheese.
• Greens Variations: Spinach, kale, or chard can replace endive and escarole for different flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure Parmesan cheese and any added breadcrumbs are gluten-free.

Add-ons

• Crusty artisan bread or garlic bread for dipping
• Extra Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for topping
• Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Fresh basil or oregano for added herbaceous notes
• Additional vegetables like zucchini or celery for more texture

Side Dishes

• Warm crusty bread or garlic knots
• Fresh mixed greens salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables or antipasto platter
• Light pasta salad with olive oil and herbs

Improvements and Variations

• Slow-Cooked Broth: Use a slow cooker to simmer the chickens and broth for 8-10 hours for an even richer flavor.
• Homemade Meatballs: Incorporate herbs, spices, or even shredded cheese into your meatballs for added complexity.
• Vegetarian Broth: Use vegetable stock and plant-based proteins to cater to vegetarian preferences.
• Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper or hot sauce during cooking for a spicy twist.

Save and Store

This Wedding Soup can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently simmer on the stove or microwave until hot, adding a splash of broth if necessary to restore moisture. For best flavor, reheat slowly to prevent overcooking the greens or meatballs.

FAQ

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, tofu, or seitan, and omit eggs and cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.

Can I prepare the broth in advance?

Absolutely. Make the broth a day ahead, refrigerate overnight, and skim off any fat before reheating. This allows flavors to deepen and simplifies the final assembly.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, if you use gluten-free Parmesan and ensure any additional ingredients like breadcrumbs are gluten-free. Always verify labels to prevent cross-contamination.

How can I adapt this recipe for a smaller group?

Scale down ingredients proportionally. Keep in mind that slow-cooking times might need adjustment depending on the batch size.

Conclusion

This Wedding Soup is a testament to timeless comfort and culinary craftsmanship. Its layers of flavors, from slow-simmered chicken broth to tender meatballs and vibrant greens, create a dish that is both nostalgic and sophisticated. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or elevating a casual meal into a special occasion, this recipe embodies the warmth and community spirit of traditional American-Italian cuisine. Remember, patience and attention to detail are key—embrace the process, and the end result will be a bowl of pure satisfaction. For more hearty, soulful recipes, visit Love With Recipes, where culinary traditions come alive with every dish.

References

1. The Italian American Cookbook by John Mariani — for insights into regional variations of wedding/soul food.

2. Cooking from the Heart: The Culinary History of Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Youngstown — for cultural context and traditional methods.