Description
This cozy Italian Wedding Soup combines tender homemade meatballs, hearty pearl couscous, and vibrant greens in a savory broth. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 6 cups chicken broth (or stock)
- 3/4 cup dry pearl couscous (or orzo)
- 3 cups chopped kale (or baby kale)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced onion, garlic, oregano, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs. Set aside.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches and sear about 1 minute per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, celery, and crushed garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add Italian seasoning and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return meatballs to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and add pearl couscous. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until couscous is tender and meatballs are fully cooked.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in chopped kale and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add lemon juice and stir gently.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic bread if desired.
Notes
- Use orzo, acini de pepe, or ditalini as a couscous substitute.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meatball option.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or peas for variety.
- Omit or reduce couscous for better freezing results.
- Soup tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
